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

Terahertz Applications
Physics professor Matt Reid is undertaking a four-part project tofast-track practical applications of terahertz technology for theregional forest industry. Previous research conducted by Dr. Reid hasshown that terahertz waves can see inside of objects such as trees,providing unique opportunities for forest industry firms to assess woodquality in real-time. As mills continue to utilize trees killed by themountain pine beetle, it is becoming increasingly important to detectdefects and make optimal use of the existing fibre for a variety ofproducts. The project will include market research, a feasibility studyof the potential applications of terahertz technology, the creation ofan instrument utilizing terahertz waves, and deploying the instrumentin 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 areall affecting the relationship between the industry, forest ecosystems,and regional communities. In response, Geography professor Greg Halsethand UNBC’s Community Development Institute will be working with theOmineca Beetle Action Coalition on a project that will outline futureforest and fibre use opportunities to support local and regionaldevelopment. The project will include a background report on thecurrent trends in the forest sector, gathered from a variety of local,regional, and international sources. The second phase of the projectwill involve a forum in Prince George that will connect community andindustry leaders with experts in forest products, marketing, andregional development.

Wood Pellet Pilot Project and Feasibility Study
The infrastructure of UNBC’s Prince George campus makes it particularlywell-suited to implementing renewable energy technologies as ashowpiece for other facilities and northern communities. While thereare a number of alternative energy technologies available, the pinebeetle infestation has led to increased interest in wood as an energysource and UNBC is collaborating with the Wood Pellet Association ofCanada on an initial assessment that will compare the cost,productivity, and emissions of biomass fuel to natural gas.  Theproject will involve converting the University’s 10,000 square footI.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Laboratory to pellet fuel and comparingits operation to the main University power plant, which uses naturalgas to heat the core campus buildings. According to the Wood PelletAssociation, the installation at UNBC will have the lowest emissions ofany similar-sized pellet project in Canada. UNBC is well-positioned tobuild research and operational capacity in renewable energy and thepellet project will join other research at UNBC in wind energy andethanol production from pine trees.

“These three projects represent only a sample of the work UNBC has donewith respect to the pine beetle, but they represent importantcontributions with respect to regional development, bioenergy, and newproduct development,” says UNBC President Don Cozzetto. “The pinebeetle infestation is a defining issue for the region and I would liketo thank the Federal Government for investing in projects that willhelp UNBC play a role in preparing the region for the future.”

All of the projects that are funded by the Federal Government’sCommunity Economic Diversification Initiative will be conducted overthe 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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Fromleft to right: Dr. Matt Reid (Physics professor, UNBC), Dr. DonCozzetto (President, UNBC), Dick Harris (MP for Cariboo-Prince George),Bruce Sutherland (Chair, Northern Development Initiatives Trust), GregHalseth (Professor of Geography and Canada Research Chair in Rural andSmall-town Studies, UNBC), Shelley Rennick (Director of Facilities,UNBC), and John Swaan (Executive Director, Wood Pellet Association ofCanada) 

Above: Dick Harris makes the announcement 

Click here to access the news release issued by the Government of Canada