Provincial and Federal Governments Invest in Making UNBC a Leading National Centre for Bioenergy

Media Release

April 8, 2009

The Governments of BC and Canada are together investing $21.7 million at UNBC as part of the Knowledge Infrastructure program. The funding is supporting two initiatives at the University's Prince George campus

A $14.8 million biomass gasification system that will provide heat to the core campus buildings and displace up to 85% of UNBC's current consumption of natural gas. The project will utilize technology developed by Nexterra Energy, a BC company, and serve as a platform for development of applied research and education programs related to renewable energy that will strengthen UNBC's position as Canada's Green University.
$6.9 million to upgrade the heating and cooling distribution system on campus. The project will enable future growth of the campus and improve energy efficiency.

The Governments today also announced a $10 million expansion to the North Cariboo Community Campus in Quesnel that is shared by UNBC and the College of New Caledonia. The expansion will allow for new programs in trades and technologies.