Having recently joined EERA’s Joint Programme on Bioenergy (JP Bio), the Innovations Institute in Ecomaterials, Ecoproducts et Ecoenergies (I2E3) is a recognised university research institute, attached to the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). I2E3 participates in the advancement of the circular bioeconomy based on the use of renewable biomass. Founded more than 50 years ago, the former pulp and paper research centre has since evolved, now significantly contributing to the research and development of renewable biomass-based materials, products, and energies, with an emphasis on minimising environmental impacts and fostering innovation in bioindustrial sectors.

I2E3’s approach integrates multidisciplinary expertise from diverse fields to facilitate the transition toward sustainable communities. The Institute actively collaborates with a wide range of private, public, and institutional partners to ensure the development of cutting-edge technologies and methods to optimise the use of natural resources, promote the circular bioeconomy, and address the evolving challenges in biomass processing and renewable energy.

As its name suggests, a key research area for I2E3 is the development of clean energy technologies, particularly the production of biofuels such as bioethanol, biodiesel, and green hydrogen from renewable biomass. The Institute also conducts pioneering research in thermochemical processes such as fast and slow pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), and other biological processes such as biomethanisation.

I2E3’s participation in this Joint Programme (JP) provides the opportunity for significant mutual benefits. On one hand, the Institute contributes its expertise in biomass supply chains, thermochemical conversion, and process integration, particularly in regional bioeconomy models and sustainable biomass processing. With access to advanced facilities for testing and scaling up biomass-to-energy processes, I2E3 brings valuable experience in process intensification (such as ultrasonic treatments to enhance biomass conversion) and integrating bioenergy systems into local economies. By adapting bioenergy production systems to local contexts, I2E3 ensures that the environmental, economic, and social benefits of bioenergy are maximised.

On the other hand, I2E3 expects to enhance its own research capabilities through knowledge exchange and collaboration as part of EERA’s Joint Programme on Bioenergy. Moreover, by participating in the JP, the Institute aims to access cutting-edge research, broaden its network, and contribute to the global transition toward a circular bioeconomy. As mentioned by Simon Barnabé, Co-Director for Research and Partnership at I2E3, “Our expertise in biomass processing and energy conversion can bring innovative solutions to the programme, while also allowing us to learn from international best practices”.

Looking ahead, as the bioeconomy continues to evolve, the JP Bio partnership offers I2E3 an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of bioenergy innovation and actively contribute to the inevitable energy transition. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in enhancing international cooperation in low-carbon energy research, opening new opportunities for innovation and global partnerships.