NRC launches research programs for bioenergy and energy storage

The National Research Council (NRC) has launched two large-scale, multi-year collaborative research programs for bioenergy systems and energy storage that devote considerable staffing resources over a six-year period. The programs are part of the Energy, Mining and Environment portfolio and will soon be joined by two more programs that aim for specified niche markets.

The Bioenergy Systems for Viable Stationary Applications research program is aimed at producing energy from biomass to open up new markets in the forestry, agricultural and municipal solid waste sectors. Deployment will focus on remote areas and industries that are reliant on high-cost diesel fuel.

The Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization research program aims to overcome technical and cost barriers to grid-scale energy storage. The program will seek technological solutions allowing storage to be placed close to load to defer infrastructure investment, provide opportunities for peak sharing and use of renewables such as wind energy in remote areas.

"These are both broad areas so we've spent several years consulting with stakeholders on the most promising areas with the biggest market opportunities," says portfolio GM Andrew Reynolds. "Our advantage is being able to apply critical mass to niche areas and address shortfalls such as strategic support, techno-economic analysis and impact analysis. Stakeholders need these and we are able to provide them."

There are now 50 research programs established across NRC and program developers have been taking cues from the council's larger and more established flagship programs

And while the target areas are not as strategic or disruptive as those of the flagships, the research programs have the same objectives of increasing economic activities and opening up new markets.

"We're still seeking more partners. This is just the end of the beginning," says Reynolds. "We stay closely connected to stakeholders and this is the novelty. We remain externally focused throughout."

The research programs were announced this week at the Renewable Energy Storage Summit in Toronto. and the CanBio Annual Conference in Gatineau QC.

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