Biomass Production: Raw Material

Alternative energy and agriculture? Plants produce biomass that can be burned for heat or converted to renewable energy. However, it takes planning. The Biomass Production Raw Materials microcredential looks at biomass production and prepares participants to select materials, plan fields, assess parameters, and prep fields for the next season. 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 

• Compare target crops for materials selection
• Plan field preparation/quality assessment
• Assess environmental parameters/field prep for next season

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

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 Action Plan Framework 
• 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 Handling
• Biomass Storage
• Biomass Supply Chain