PyroGenesis Inc. has supplied a gasification system designed to convert contaminated biomass into synthesis gas (syngas) to Innofibre, a Quebec-based cellulosic innovation centre, in a move aimed at broadening the range of biomass materials that can be used for energy and chemical production.
The system has been installed at Innofibre’s newly launched pilot and pre-commercial facility at Cégep de Trois-Rivières, a $14 million centre described as the only facility of its kind in North America capable of operating under conditions that mirror industrial-scale production, Bioenergy insight reported.
The collaboration is intended to support innovation across sectors including paper manufacturing, biorefining, forestry and agricultural biomass, with applications covering bio-based products, biomaterials, biochar, waste utilisation and decarbonisation technologies.
A key focus of the project is the use of contaminated biomass — wood and organic materials mixed with substances such as paints, solvents, melamine and other chemicals during landfill disposal or manufacturing processes — which has traditionally been difficult to process and reuse.
PyroGenesis’ high-temperature plasma gasification technology is designed to manage contaminants during the conversion process by treating them within the syngas stream. This allows previously unusable biomass feedstocks to be converted into valuable energy and industrial products.
The syngas produced through the process can be used for electricity generation or as a feedstock for producing chemicals, fertilisers, methanol, ammonia and synthetic fuels, including renewable diesel.
Commenting on the development, PyroGenesis President and Chief Executive Officer P. Peter Pascali said the Innofibre facility would play an important role in advancing the commercialisation of innovations emerging from Quebec’s bioeconomy and forestry sectors.
The official inauguration of the facility was attended by Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet along with representatives from funding partners Canada Economic Development and the Fonds du Grand Mouvement Desjardins.
