NSERC Bioconversion Network

The NSERC Bioconversion Network will strive to be the leading Canadian R&D Network in lignocellulosic biomass conversion to fuel ethanol and valuable industrial chemicals. For the past century, energy and chemical production has been based predominantly on fossil fuels, with petroleum serving as the basis for most transportation fuels and industrial chemicals.  Petroleum remains the single largest contributor to global energy, providing over 35% of the world’s total primary energy supply, with demand for transportation fuel production accounting for about 70% of total petroleum use.  

Over-reliance on petroleum can undermine long-term energy security and stifle future economic growth, as demand increases in the transport sector and from an ever-increasing human population. Considerable volatility in the price of petroleum in the last few years re-emphasized the need for renewable alternatives.  The challenge is to find a sustainable source of renewable fuels that can meet our future transportation needs.