In Canada, Arbios Biotech, a joint venture between Australia-headed hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology pioneers Licella Holdings Ltd and Canada-headed integrated forest products company Canfor Corporation, has announced the successful completion of construction of its Chuntoh Ghuna facility in Prince George, British Columbia (BC).
The facility uses Licella’s “Cat-HTR” hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to transform forest residues and other woody residuals into a renewable bio-oil that can be refined into transportation fuels with a low carbon footprint.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in Arbios’ commitment to delivering innovative sustainable solutions to drive industry and transportation toward a carbon-neutral future.
The completion of the Chuntoh Ghuna facility marks a pivotal moment for Arbios Biotech and our partners. This facility embodies our vision of creating a circular bioeconomy where low-value residues become a valuable renewable resource. We are grateful for the support of all levels of government, the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, and everyone who has helped make this vision a reality, said Rune Gjessing, CEO of Arbios Biotech.
The facility was developed in close partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation on its unceded territory. The Nation named the facility Chuntoh Ghuna which means “the forest lives” in the Dakelh language.
As a Nation, we are focused on working with proponents and projects that focus on long-term environmental sustainability. We are proud to see the completion of Chuntoh Ghuna, a facility that reflects our shared values of a sustainable bioeconomy. Further, this project demonstrates what can be achieved when Indigenous communities and industry collaborate in a meaningful way. We look forward to the positive impacts this facility will bring as we transition to a low-carbon future, said Chief Logan of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation.
Well-supported
The Arbios Biotech Chuntoh Ghuna facility is receiving support from the Government of British Columbia through the Province’s Initiative Agreement Program under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
In the development stages of the project, support was also provided by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC); the BC Innovative Clean Energy Fund; and Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program.
Designed to produce 50,000 barrels of bio-oil a year, Chuntoh Ghuna is according to Licella, currently the largest HTL facility in the world and sets a new benchmark in advanced biofuel production.
Blueprint for future plants
The Chuntoh Ghuna serves as a blueprint for future global opportunities with an easily scaled modular design and will play a key role in advancing technologies to produce drop-in renewable biofuels, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and supporting the transition to a clean energy future.
Chuntoh Ghuna also contributes to the local economy, creating jobs and fostering long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities.
The facility has entered the commissioning phase, with operations commencing in 2025.
Arbios Biotech remains committed to advancing sustainable biofuel solutions and fostering meaningful partnerships that benefit both people and the planet.
