Biomass Handling

Are you interested in biomass use as an alternative energy source? The Biomass Handling microcredentials help you analyze on-field and harvest efficiency, drying moister content, and choosing cost-efficient bale collection and handling methods. This microcredential focuses on nature-based solutions to produce energy and is one of four under the theme of Biomass production, handling, storage, and distribution. 

Intended learners for this training are existing or potential employees of power generation, mining, or agricultural companies, and residents of rural or remote communities where biomass is harvested, collected, and stored, including First Nations and rural agricultural communities. 

Learning Outcomes 

• Analyze on-field and harvest efficiency
• Analyze field drying moisture content
• Choose cost-efficient bale/materials collection and handling methods

Assessment 

• The learner must achieve a minimum score of 80% on the final assessment to receive the badge.  

There is a growing interest in agriculture and mining businesses such as potash mining and canola crushing facilities to use locally produced biomass for bioenergy production, particularly bioheat. Globally, using bioheat from locally produced sustainable forest and agricultural biomass has been at the forefront of decreasing the GHG emissions associated with agriculture and agri-food processes. This is being achieved through the adoption of modern biomass boilers. Using sustainable biomass to displace fossil fuels such as coal, propane, and natural gas for heat generation has been shown to reduce GHG emissions by up to 90% from a full life cycle analysis perspective. Both biomass processing and biomass boiler operations are new industries that require the development of new labour skill sets. The proposed training would assist companies to implement the use of locally produced biomass for bioenergy production. Priorities supported by this microcredential are: 

• Nature-based solutions
• Waste management
• Embracing the power of nature to support healthier families and more resilient communities by embracing the power of nature to tackle climate change and becoming stewards of the land
• Pan Canadian Framework
• Forestry, agriculture, and waste

The forestry, agriculture, and waste sectors also provide biomass for bioproducts that can be used in place of fossil fuels in other sectors. For example, waste products from forestry, agriculture, and landfills can be converted into energy sources such as renewable natural gas. Dedicated crops can be grown as feedstocks for products like bioplastics. Expanding renewable fuel industries represents an opportunity to create new jobs and economic growth across Canada:

• New Actions 3: Generating bioenergy and bioproducts – Federal, provincial, and territorial governments will work together to identify opportunities to produce renewable fuels and bioproducts, for example, generating renewable fuel from waste. 

The proposed microcredentials aim to support a low-carbon pathway for agriculture, mining, and other businesses that are seeking alternative solutions to displace fossil fuels and meet their mid and long-term GHG emission goals. The training supports the upskilling of employees to assist companies and individuals with gaining an understanding of the essentials of biomass production, handling, storage, and distribution and further, of modern biomass boiler operation and maintenance: 

• Canada’s Climate Plan 
• Renewable energy 
• Clean jobs for tomorrow
• Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Forestry, agriculture, and waste 

The approach to these sectors will include:

• Enhancing carbon storage in forests and agricultural lands
• Supporting the increased use of wood for construction
• Generating fuel from bioenergy and bioproducts
• Advancing innovation
• Generating bioenergy and bioproducts

The federal, provincial, and territorial governments will work together to identify opportunities to produce renewable fuels and bioproducts, for example, generating renewable fuel from waste. 

• Biomass Production: Raw Material
• Biomass Storage
• Biomass Supply Chain