Alberta is uniquely positioned to build on the strengths of its vast energy reserves (second largest oil deposits in the world) and significant agriculture and forest industries ($25 billion value/yr) through the refining of biomass. The process of biorefining describes integrated unit operations where biomass is broken down into valuable molecules which go beyond the traditional processing (threshing, weaving or sawing) of our biological resources.  These building blocks can be used directly or developed into transport fuels, heat, electricity, chemicals, materials and food.  New technologies and economies of scale are creating exciting opportunities for how the agriculture, forestry and energy sectors use their resources and integrate their efforts to produce the products and services that will be needed in this century and beyond.  Biorefining technologies have the capability of enhancing current total values anywhere from doubling to a thousand-fold, depending on product value and volumes. 

Biorefining is based on three elements: biological feedstocks (also known as biomass), conversion technologies and product development.  Alberta has made significant investments in developing improved crops and trees which can be used as the basis for the bioeconomy.  New technologies have been developed to convert biomass through thermal, chemical and biological processes.  Co-investments have been made with the private sector to facilitate the development of new bioproducts for industrial and consumer use.

The talk will describe new breakthroughs in the identification of bioeconomy opportunities, public investment in research and innovation and updates on private sector investment in Alberta.