The Government of Canada is investing in a number of projects at UNBC to help the region overcome the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation and emerge with a more diversified economy. The following three projects – attracting a total of $822,993 in federal funding – have been announced by Cariboo Prince George MP Dick Harris:  

Terahertz Applications
Physics professor Matt Reid is undertaking a four-part project to fast-track practical applications of terahertz technology for the regional forest industry. Previous research conducted by Dr. Reid has shown that terahertz waves can see inside of objects such as trees, providing unique opportunities for forest industry firms to assess wood quality in real-time. As mills continue to utilize trees killed by the mountain pine beetle, it is becoming increasingly important to detect defects and make optimal use of the existing fibre for a variety of products. The project will include market research, a feasibility study of the potential applications of terahertz technology, the creation of an instrument utilizing terahertz waves, and deploying the instrument in a local industrial setting. Partners include Deltech Manufacturing, the National Research Council, and the College of New Caledonia.

Future Fibre Use Report and Forum
The Mountain Pine Beetle infestation, forest industry consolidation, policy changes, new forest products, and increasing technologies are all affecting the relationship between the industry, forest ecosystems, and regional communities. In response, Geography professor Greg Halseth and UNBC’s Community Development Institute will be working with the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition on a project that will outline future forest and fibre use opportunities to support local and regional development. The project will include a background report on the current trends in the forest sector, gathered from a variety of local, regional, and international sources. The second phase of the project will involve a forum in Prince George that will connect community and industry leaders with experts in forest products, marketing, and regional development.

Wood Pellet Pilot Project and Feasibility Study
The infrastructure of UNBC’s Prince George campus makes it particularly well-suited to implementing renewable energy technologies as a showpiece for other facilities and northern communities. While there are a number of alternative energy technologies available, the pine beetle infestation has led to increased interest in wood as an energy source and UNBC is collaborating with the Wood Pellet Association of Canada on an initial assessment that will compare the cost, productivity, and emissions of biomass fuel to natural gas.  The project will involve converting the University’s 10,000 square foot I.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Laboratory to pellet fuel and comparing its operation to the main University power plant, which uses natural gas to heat the core campus buildings. According to the Wood Pellet Association, the installation at UNBC will have the lowest emissions of any similar-sized pellet project in Canada. UNBC is well-positioned to build research and operational capacity in renewable energy and the pellet project will join other research at UNBC in wind energy and ethanol production from pine trees.

“These three projects represent only a sample of the work UNBC has done with respect to the pine beetle, but they represent important contributions with respect to regional development, bioenergy, and new product development,” says UNBC President Don Cozzetto. “The pine beetle infestation is a defining issue for the region and I would like to thank the Federal Government for investing in projects that will help UNBC play a role in preparing the region for the future.”

All of the projects that are funded by the Federal Government’s Community Economic Diversification Initiative will be conducted over the course of the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622 

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