National Cellulosic Biofuels Network

Description from Concordia University Press Release

Concordia University is pleased to announce that Concordia's Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics (CSFG) will be coordinating the academic research done by nine universities which are part of the Cellulosic Biofuels Network (CBN). This major national project focusing on the conversion of agricultural waste into biofuel is being funded by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada which will invest $19.9 million over the next three fiscal years.

"CSFG is known nationally and internationally for its research on the conversion of biomass into fuels and products," said Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor, Judith Woodsworth. "I'm pleased that Concordia's expertise in this field is recognized by the federal government and all of the CBN partners."

Drs Serge Laberge and Margaret Gruber from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are co-leads of CBN, which all together involves nine government laboratories, nine universities and the private partner FPInnovations.

The CBN will focus its research on the sustainable production of ethanol and associated bio-products from cellulosic material. The economics of crop production and the conversion of plants to ethanol will be assessed. Network researchers will also address larger issues such as the use of byproducts in cattle feedlots, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and optimal nutrient flow/balance.