Nexterra signs Collaborative Bioenergy Research Agreement with the University of British Columbia

VANCOUVER, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Nexterra Systems Corp. and the University of British Columbia announced today that they have signed a Collaborative Research Agreement to develop an advanced method of conditioning synthetic gas based on Nexterra's proprietary biomass gasification technology.

Under the agreement, Nexterra and UBC will work together on a project to assess the potential for a new, lower cost catalytic process for removing tars from the synthetic gas produced by Nexterra's gasification technology. Work on the project will be done both at UBC and at Nexterra's Product Development Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia.

This project is the first formal research agreement between Nexterra and UBC under an overarching Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Project (BRDP). The BRDP is a joint Nexterra and UBC initiative announced in February 2010 that includes installation of a new biomass combined heat and power plant on UBC's Point Grey campus, as well as a range of teaching, learning and research initiatives.

"This agreement is a critical first step toward developing research projects that leverage UBC's strengths in clean energy research with Nexterra's world-class expertise in biomass gasification," said John Hepburn, UBC's Vice President Research & International. "UBC's Vancouver campus will be a living laboratory for this project, which will create research opportunities for UBC students and faculty while ultimately reinforcing British Columbia's leadership in clean energy solutions."

"We are excited to begin this new chapter in our relationship with Nexterra," said John Grace, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Clean Energy Processes. "Biomass gasification has untapped potential for the development and commercialization of new synthetic bioenergy fuels and products. Nexterra's technology platform and the BRDP provide a wide range of opportunities for ongoing research and development."

"We are proud of our relationship with UBC, which we see as a new model of public-private collaboration for the development and demonstration of clean energy technologies," said Jonathan Rhone, Nexterra President and CEO. "We look forward to working with the UBC team to advance the science and commercialization of new applications related to syngas refining and conditioning."

About Nexterra Systems Corp. - Nexterra Systems is a leading supplier of biomass gasification solutions that generate renewable heat, power and syngas for institutional and industrial customers. Working to the highest standards with world leading partners, such as General Electric, Nexterra has successfully supplied commercial gasification systems for projects at the US Department of Energy, University of South Carolina, Dockside Green, Kruger Products, the University of Northern BC and Tolko Industries. www.nexterra.ca

SOURCE Nexterra Systems Corp.