September 13, 2012
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today participated in the official opening of the Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Facility at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
"Our government's approach to resource development means investing in innovative renewable energy technologies that create jobs and generate new economic opportunities," said MP Young. "Today's announcement demonstrates our tangible support for renewable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and drive innovation."
This project funded by the Government of Canada converts local, renewable wood fuel to energy by means of a biomass gasification technology. Once completed, this facility will produce approximately two megawatts of electricity - enough to power approximately 1,500 homes. It will also provide approximately 12 percent of the campus demand for heat.
This research lab is the first facility of its kind in North America, and was recently voted in KPMG's Infrastructure 100: World Cities Edition as one of the 100 most innovative and inspiring urban infrastructure projects in the world.
The Harper Government announced $13.7 million in funding for this innovative renewable energy laboratory in February 2011.
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