Projects

Willow Project

CSEE has partnered with Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) to research the potential use of hybrid-willow as a renewable energy source and a commercial enhancement to Cape Breton’s agriculture and forestry sectors.

The project will determine the production costs and yield of multiple varieties of hybrid-willow grown on available marginal and underutilized lands. It uses hybrid-varieties of willow, a shrub commonly found in our region that may be harvested on a three-year rotation.

This research, development and demonstration project will establish an expectation for production and develop best practices and procedures for local growers.

Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office Partnership

In January 2011, Cape Breton University’s Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment (CSEE) partnered with Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office (UEBO) to collaborate on research and development of economic opportunities in the area of energy and environmental sustainability and the engagement of local Aboriginals in these research and development efforts. In an effort to advance the CSEE’s research and development agenda, the partnership will allow for the transfer of critical research and skill sets to the Unama’ki communities and investigate opportunities for industry and business development, technology commercialization, and training.

Irving Shipbuilding Awards

In May 2011, CBU proudly announced and signed a $500,000 gift agreement with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in support of Aboriginal student awards. The Irving Shipbuilding Awards will be available to Aboriginal undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing studies in environmental remediation and management. Three scholarships and two bursaries will be created as a result of this gift and presented annually in the amount of $5,000 each.

B. W. BioEnergy Inc. and CBU Awarded ACOA Atlantic Innovation Fund to Demonstrate Green Energy Technology

BioEnergy Inc., in partnership with Cape Breton University’s Centre for Sustainability in Energy & the Environment (CSEE) and Target Hydraulics and Machine Works, was awarded an Atlantic Innovation Fund investment on March 20, valued at $1.7 million over a 3-year period, from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). With this investment, BioEnergy Inc. will construct, test, and commercialize Torrefaction technology, enabling the development of high-value fuels and carbon-based products.