3 April 2024

09:00 – 09:45

Amphi 2

Olivier Rezazgui

Graduating with a PhD in Applied Chemistry from the University of Limoges in 2015; Dr. Olivier Rezazgui then completed his first post-doctorate in Rouen before crossing the ocean to settle in Trois-Rivières where he is now a researcher for Innofibre. Equally at home on fundamental and industrial projects, Dr. Rezazgui’s common thread is the preservation of our planet and sustainable chemistry, as evidenced by his research projects: the development of bio-inspired herbicides, the valorization of forest residues in bitumen, the production of biofuels and the reduction of GHG emissions. Naturally curious, he has developed skills in fields as varied as organic synthesis, spectroscopy, biology and molecular modeling. This all-round ability enables him to propose innovative solutions to industrialists. Dr. Rezazgui passes on his passion for scientific research through lectures, scientific publications and popularization articles, as well as through teaching and student supervision. His motto: There are no incurable diseases, only lack of willpower. There are no worthless herbs, only lack of knowledge. (Avicenne)

Thermochemical conversion of biomass, the new energy Eldorado?

The 21st century is and will continue to be marked by intensifying climate change, a direct consequence of the population explosion and exponential energy demand. Today, 66% of the world’s energy production comes from fossil sources (coal, oil, gas), and by 2040, total energy demand is expected to rise by 21%. This state of affairs raises the question of availability and access to these resources, as demonstrated by the geopolitical crises that have shaken the world in recent years. Nuclear, solar and wind power have their supporters, but above all their detractors (technological maturity, pollution, yield, visual and/or auditory impact, etc.), all of which are obstacles to be overcome. Against this backdrop, the use of biomass as a source of renewable energy through thermochemical conversion (gasification, pyrolysis…) appears to be an increasingly attractive solution. Abundant, diversified and easy to access, it is also labelled carbon-neutral and promises to produce cheap energy and high value-added products (syngas, biochar, biofuels, etc.). These promises are attracting many investors and industrialists, and the number of projects underway or planned continues to grow. Is this an energy Eldorado, or is the situation more nuanced than it seems?