A biomass-to-syngas conversion technology has officially debuted at Innofibre's newly opened pilot and pre-commercial research facility, expanding the centre's capabilities to evaluate contaminated biomass for renewable energy and industrial applications.
The technology, developed by Montreal-based PyroGenesis, has been integrated into Innofibre's new $14-million research platform, which was officially inaugurated in June. The centre, affiliated with the Cégep de Trois-Rivières, supports innovation across Quebec's pulp and paper, forestry, and biorefining sectors.
According to Innofibre, the facility is the only one of its kind in North America capable of operating under conditions that closely replicate industrial production. It was created to accelerate the development and commercialization of technologies involving forest resources, agricultural biomass, bio-based products, waste valorization, decarbonization, and tailings recovery.
Converting Contaminated Biomass to Syngas
The newly installed system is designed to convert contaminated biomass into synthesis gas, or syngas. Unlike conventional biomass feedstocks, contaminated materials may contain paints, solvents, melamine, and other substances commonly found in construction wood, engineered wood products, or mixed waste streams.
PyroGenesis' high-temperature gasification process treats these contaminants while producing syngas, increasing the range of biomass that can be recovered instead of being discarded.
The resulting syngas can be used to generate electricity or serve as a feedstock for producing chemicals, fertilizers, methanol, ammonia, and synthetic fuels, including renewable diesel and gasoline.
Advancing Bioeconomy Research
The addition of the technology broadens Innofibre's research capabilities in biomass valorization and supports efforts to accelerate the commercialization of low-carbon technologies for the forest products and bioeconomy sectors.
The facility was officially inaugurated in the presence of Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet, MNA for Trois-Rivières, along with representatives from Canada Economic Development, the Fonds du Grand Mouvement Desjardins, and Innofibre. Members of PyroGenesis' engineering team also attended the event.
PyroGenesis President and CEO P. Peter Pascali said the collaboration reflects the company's commitment to supporting the commercialization of Quebec-developed technologies for the bioeconomy, forestry, and decarbonization sectors.
Innofibre – Centre d'innovation des produits cellulosiques is a College Centre for the Transfer of Technologies (CCTT) affiliated with the Cégep de Trois-Rivières. The organization conducts applied research and technology transfer for the pulp and paper, forestry, and biorefining industries, helping companies develop and commercialize innovative bio-based products and processes.
Headquartered in Montreal, PyroGenesis develops plasma-based engineering technologies for applications in energy, emissions reduction, advanced materials, process heating, and waste treatment. The company serves customers in industries including metals, aerospace, utilities, environmental services, and defense. Its operations are certified to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D standards.
