PyroGenesis Inc. has delivered a gasification system capable of converting contaminated biomass into synthesis gas (syngas) to Innofibre, a Quebec-based cellulosic innovation centre, as part of a collaborative project to expand the range of biomass feedstocks available for energy and chemicals production.
The technology has been installed at Innofibre's newly opened $14 million pilot and pre-commercial facility at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières, described as the only facility of its kind in North America capable of operating under conditions that replicate industrial production.
The centre focuses on innovation for the paper, biorefining, forest and agricultural biomass sectors, with applications spanning bio-based products, biomaterials, biochar, waste valorisation and decarbonisation.
Contaminated biomass — wood and organic material that has been mixed with paints, solvents, melamine and other chemicals through landfill processes or prior manufacturing — has historically been difficult to process. PyroGenesis' high-temperature plasma gasification technology treats contaminants within the syngas stream, enabling feedstocks that would otherwise be unusable to enter the production chain. The resulting syngas can be used for electricity generation or as a feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers, methanol, ammonia and synthetic fuels including renewable diesel.
P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis, said the Innofibre facility was vital to commercialising Quebec-based innovations across the bioeconomy and forestry sectors.
The official opening was attended by Quebec Minister of Labour Jean Boulet and representatives from funding partners Canada Economic Development and the Fonds du Grand Mouvement Desjardins.
PyroGenesis delivers contaminated biomass-to-syngas technology
