BIObytes Biomass News Briefs
Ontario funds biomass research efforts The Ontario Trillium Foundation has awarded a $565,000 grant to the Biomass Network Group at Nipissing University’s Biomass Innovation Centre to help establish biomass as one of the new clean technologies in the province, and to support economic growth of northern Ontario through curriculum
development and training in a range of related jobs and professions. The Biomass Innovation Centre was formed in the spring of 2009, and focuses on realizing the positive environmental and financial impacts of using the province’s existing wood supply for renewable heat and energy.
PSU, AdvanceBio partner for biomass research
OriginOil reports first payment Algae biofuel technology company OriginOil Inc. reported it had received payment from its first customer, Australiabased MBD Energy Ltd., for a Quantum Fracturing System, the first unit in a multiphase commercialization program. The system breaks down nutrients such as CO2 into microparticles that stay suspended in water longer, allowing algae to feed more efficiently, according to OriginOil.
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In May, the companies agreed on a multiphase commercialization program under which OriginOil will supply MBD Energy with its algaeto-oil technology platform in progressively larger installations. Pending success of the initial test phase, MBD will purchase larger systems to serve its power station projects in Australia, beginning with a pilot plant at Tarong Power Station in southeastern Queensland.
Pennsylvania State University has awarded a contract to Cincinnati-based AdvanceBio Systems LLC to supply a benchscale hydrolyzer system for its shared fermentation facility at University Park, Pa. The equipment will be used for research, development and demonstration of technology related to the production of biomass-based
fuels and chemicals from lignocelluosic feedstocks. AdvanceBio is associated with AdvanceBio LLC, a firm that provides consulting services and technology to companies that are developing new projects in the biofuels industry and biochemical sector. The company will now collaborate with PSU for related research efforts.
Liberty Green Renewables plans rejected in Indiana A $100 million Liberty Green Renewables LLC woody biomass power plant has suffered a serious setback, as the local planning commission rejected its development plans in the middle of July. The 32-megawatt plant was to be sited near Scottsburg, Ind., and burn logging and milling residues. The re-
sulting energy was going to be sold to local utilities, but the Scott County Area Plan Commission voted it down by a 4-2 vote. The company is based in Georgetown, Ind., and also has a Missouri-based joint venture, LG Biomass Missouri LLC, with global company Macquarie Cook Power Inc.