The BC Bioenergy Network, a provincially funded initiative providing finance to the growing bioenergy sector in British Columbia, has invested C$100,000 in the University of British Columbia’s Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC).

The BC Bioenergy Network, a provincially funded industry-led initiative providing funding to the growing bioenergy sector in British Columbia, has invested C$100,000 (£57,000) in the University of British Columbia’s Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC).

The investment will cover the refurbishment and recommissioning of a circulating fluidised bed gasifier, which will enable CERC to undertake commercial and academic research. The BC Bioenergy Network will work with CERC to promote the use of these expanded and upgraded facilities to industry.

Michael Weedon, executive director of the BC Bioenergy Network, said: “The University of British Columbia’s Clean Energy Research Centre has world-class talent and research capabilities. We are pleased to make available to industry and academia testing capabilities for high-demand research in clean and sustainable gasification technologies.”

BC Bioenergy Network was established in April 2008 with a $25 million grant from the British Columbia government. The investor acts as a financial “catalyst” for near-term bioenergy technologies and organises research for the development and demonstration of new environmentally friendly bioenergy technologies in the province.