In Canada, biocarbon producers and project developers CHAR Technologies Ltd (CHAR Tech) has announced that the Ontario government has awarded a CA$2.25 million non repayable reimbursement grant through the Forest Biomass Program for 50 percent of eligible project costs to accelerate the Thorold Renewable Energy Facility’s commercialization of biocarbon pellets.
The biocarbon pellets are a made-in-Ontario renewable reductant and fuel designed as a drop-in replacement for fossil carbon in steelmaking and other heavy industrial applications.
This investment supports CHAR Tech’s work to optimise biocarbon pellet production at its Thorold Renewable Energy Facility, improving durability, density, and handling characteristics required for industrial use and long-distance transport.
These advancements will help supply Ontario steelmakers and position CHAR Tech to export Ontario-made biocarbon to European markets where demand for low-carbon industrial fuels continues to increase.
We thank the Ontario government for its support to accelerate CHAR Tech’s work in advancing biocarbon pellets as a made-in-Ontario, drop-in replacement for fossil carbon in steelmaking. This investment strengthens the market for forest biomass, supports jobs in the North, and positions us to increase supply to local partners and to begin exporting Ontario-made biocarbon to Europe, further strengthening the province’s trade opportunities, said Andrew White, CEO of CHAR Tech.
Expansion underway
Expanding the commercial pellet line is already underway, and the company expects the upgraded line to be completed in 2026 to align with the installation timelines of the second High Temperature Pyrolysis (HTP) kiln as part of Phase 2 facility construction.
Our government is protecting forest sector jobs by empowering innovative businesses to develop the untapped potential of forest biomass. We are investing in emerging technologies to bring next-generation renewable fuels to market and advance greener and cleaner manufacturing with made-in-Ontario forest products – seizing our opportunity to establish Ontario as a global leader in biocoal, said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products.
Since its 2023 launch, the Forest Biomass Program has committed over CA$50 million to more than 55 projects supporting the Forest Biomass Action Plan, a key element of Ontario’s actions to drive forest sector growth.
The announced investment accompanies the release of two progress reports showcasing the province’s growing forest bioeconomy:
- The Forest Biomass Action Plan Interim Report documents key successes in the action plan’s ongoing implementation, empowering the forest sector to maximise the value of wood, develop new revenue streams and create jobs.
- The Forest Biomass Action Plan Research Summary Report highlights new and emerging biomass uses which will provide added economic and environmental benefits to Ontario’s workers, families and businesses.
