The role of forest bioenergy in decarbonizing Quebec industries and mitigating climate change
Description
Several Master's and PhD projects available
Quebec is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels and its consumption of petroleum products by 40% by 2030, and to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. This reduction could be achieved in particular through the emergence of bioenergy, which can be used in solid, liquid or gaseous form to produce heat and electricity, or fuel for transport.
Using forest biomass to produce bioenergy as a substitute for fossil fuels can reduce GHG emissions. However, the presumed carbon neutrality of forest bioenergy is not always respected. The GHG reduction benefits of forest bioenergy have been the subject of much debate. The GHG reduction potential of a forest bioenergy project over time (compared with a fossil fuel-based reference) is highly variable. However, few primary data exist for Quebec, reflecting the biomass sources available on the territory and the technologies most likely to carve out a place on the market.
The aim of the research project is to improve the calculation of the carbon balance of forest bioenergy in Quebec through the generation of primary data for forest biomass sources from Quebec territory and conversion systems available on a commercial scale in Quebec.
The project will aim to:
- Characterize forest biomass sources in terms of their chemical and physical properties related to their bioenergy conversion potential;
- Test and document the conversion potential of forest biomass into bioenergy products as a function of biomass properties, and quantify the effect of conversion parameters on material, energy and carbon balance and end-product characteristics;
- Model the carbon balance and GHG reduction potential of bioenergy products, and analyze the impact of biomass source characteristics and conversion parameters on the carbon balance.
The project will focus on the following biomass sources: wood from natural disturbances and post-consumer wood panels, and three bioenergy products: biochar, bio-oil and syngas.
This project is being carried out in partnership with Innofibre, le SEREX, le Réseau québécois sur l'énergie intelligente and Escouade Energie.
Research Field
- Renewable energy
- Bioenergy
- Forest carbon
- Climate change
- Conversion processes
Research Supervisor
Evelyne Thiffault
Research Environment
Renewable Materials Research Centre - Department of wood and forest sciences
E. Thiffault's team (Team Carbone) carries out research activities related to forestry under a changing climate at the Renewable Materials Research Centre, whose mission is to develop responsible use of forest resources, taking into account environmental and economic constraints. The team is part of Université Laval's Department of Wood and Forest Sciences, a training and research environment dedicated to improving our knowledge of the forest environment.
Most of the projects of the E. Thiffault team are in partnership with stakeholders and communities committed to the fight against climate change. Come and make a difference with us!
To discover Team Carbone, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064839792020
Web Site
Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Doctorate in Forestry Science
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$26000 per year for 4 years.
All expenses related to field and laboratory work, specialized training, equipment, etc. are covered. Funds are also available for participation in conferences and symposia to present research results.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Doctoral exam and submission of research proposal by the end of the 4th semester
|
$3,135 |
Favorable report from the supervising committee by the end of the 7th semester
|
$2,090 |
Initial dissertation submission by the end of the 9th semester
|
$4,180 |
Publication of an article in a scientific journal by the end of the 6th semester
|
$950 |
| Total |
$10,355 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly. Master's Degree in Forestry Science with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$20000 per year for 2 years.
All expenses related to field and laboratory work, specialized training, equipment, etc. are covered. Funds are also available for participation in conferences and symposia to present research results.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Initial thesis submission OR fast-tracking to a doctorate by the end of the 5th semester
|
$1,000 |
| Total |
$1,000 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.
Desired Profile
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Wood Engineering
- Geography
- Natural and landscaped environment
- Forest Management and Environment
Requirements and Conditions
- Be able to travel a few times to different regions of Quebec
Required Documentation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
Find Out More
Evelyne Thiffault
Professeure agrégée
Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt
evelyne.thiffault@sbf.ulaval.ca