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Redefining Sustainability Redefining Sustainability Redefining Sustainability
Dr. George Iwama UNBC President George Iwama officially lights up the new award-winning Nexterra biomass gasification system that generates heat to the campus in Prince George. See the video below
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Project Brochure
The Next Generation of Industrial Gasification Systems
 
University of Northern British Columbia

UNBC Gasification System Customer: University of Northern British Columbia Location: Prince George, B.C. Facility Type: University Application: Biomass gasification plant to provide heat for campus Nexterra Scope of Work: Turnkey gasification system Capacity: 15 MMBtu/hr net useable heat (hot water) Fuel: Locally sourced wood residue Fuel moisture content: Up to 60% Fuel source: Local mills and/or clean construction debris

Highlights
Positions UNBC as a bioenergy leader in the higher education market Expected to displace 85% of current natural gas consumption

Benefits Fuel Cost Savings: $600,000 - $800,000/yr fuel savings Greenhouse Gas Reduction: 3,500 tonnes/yr (estimated), the equivalent of taking 1,000 cars off the road Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Syngas will displace approximately 80,000 gigajoules of natural gas/yr Local Economy: Supports local business by using locally sourced wood waste

Process

  • One gasifier converts biomass to combustible syngas.
  • Syngas is burned in the oxidizer.
  • The hot flue gas is directed through a hot water boiler.
  • Hot water is then distributed to campus buildings.
  • ESP cleans flue gas before releasing it out the stack.
Nexterra Biomass System

Recent third party testing and analysis of the Nexterra biomass gasification system at UNBC has concluded that the plant is one of the cleanest biomass facilities operating in North America. Test results show that the Nexterra system generates ultra low emission levels similar to natural gas.

“We see the bioenergy program as an important component of UNBC's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement renewable energy technologies on the Prince George campus. It is one way that we're being responsive to a community and region that very much sees bioenergy as part of its future.”
- Dr. George Iwama, President, UNBC
UNBC

Dignitaries at the official opening of Nexterra's gasification system at UNBC included UNBC President Dr. Iwama (3rd from left) and BC Premier Christy Clark (centre).

University of Northern British Columbia University of Northern British Columbia University of Northern British Columbia University of Northern British Columbia