By Tyler Kula, The Observer
June 22, 2009
The University of Western Ontario Research Park in Sarnia is growing experimental crops for bio-oil and bio-energy production.
Two acres of centre grounds are being planted this week with willow and poplar trees, miscanthus, switchgrass and other native grasses as part of a goal to develop a Canadian bioindustry.
The crops all yield oils that are useful for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes, said Aung Oo, a bioenergy projects engineer. Other components include lactic acid for flavourings and preservatives, butanediol for biodegradable plastics and adhesives, and gluconic acid used as a food additive.
After the oils are extracted the remaining plant material can be burned as an energy source.
“What we are doing here is developing infrastructure to support bio industry,” he said.
The park also features machines that incinerate dried corn husks, pepper refuse and soybean stocks at 1,000 C in the absence of oxygen to produce oils useful in gasoline refining, food additives and household chemicals.
New offices and research facilities are making the park a destination for entrepreneurs and companies using bioenergy to create useful products.
The crops are largely donated through the Canadian Forest Service, Tallgrass Ontario and Pyramid Farms.
Tall grasses also provide habitat for bees, worms and other bugs, said Oo.
The plant stand six feet tall but their roots can extend nine feet, he said.
Observer Article ID# 1623473
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