FPInnovations, CanmetENERGY to Collaborate on Bio-Economy-Based Research

FPInnovations and Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY, Montréal, Qué., Canada, this week signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing the collaborative efforts of research teams from both organizations after years of informal cooperation. The primary objective of these efforts is to identify and commercialize novel products and technologies from bio-economy-based forest operations with a view to providing economic benefits and jobs to communities across Canada.

"Our Government is committed to fostering strong working relationships with partners such as FPInnovations," said the Honorable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "Today's announcement will lead to investment in forest sector innovation and market development and create opportunities that support jobs and economic growth in communities across Canada."

"This agreement formalizes the long-standing relationship between FPInnovations and Natural Resources Canada and provides a strong framework for future cooperation", said Pierre Lapointe, CEO of FPInnovations. "Such agreements are the cornerstone that will enable Canada's forest sector to maximize the potential of the bio-economy and in doing so, help meet the targets outlined in the Forest Products Association of Canada's Agenda 2020, an ambitious plan that challenges us all to find innovative ways to further transform the sector."

Researchers from both organizations will work together to exchange scientific and technical information and collaborate on joint projects to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of energy efficiency, process integration, energy cogeneration, biorefining, and the transformation of forestry biomass to bioenergy and high value bioproducts. This builds on the extensive degree of cooperation between FPInnovations and Natural Resources Canada's Canadian Forest Service.

With more than 450 scientists, engineers, and technicians and 100-plus years of experience, CanmetENERGY is Canada's knowledge center for scientific expertise on clean energy technologies. CanmetENERGY supports Natural Resources Canada's priorities to promote the sustainable and economic development of the country's natural resources, while improving the quality of life of Canadians. It has world-class energy research centers of expertise in Devon, Alberta, Ottawa, Ontario, and Varennes, Qué.

FPInnovations has a total staff of more than 525 people. Its R&D laboratories are located in Québec City, Ottawa, Montréal, Thunder Bay, Edmonton, and Vancouver, and it has technology transfer offices across Canada.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/