(File Photo/northeastNOW)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Important Machinery

Feds funding new state-of-the-art biorefinery for forest sector in Carrot River

Jul 7, 2023 | 1:00 PM

The federal government is allocating $10 million to set up a state-of-the-art biorefinery in Carrot River to help the forest sector become more efficient and reduce emissions.

The funding is part of the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) and is being given to BioLesna Carbon Technologies LP, a joint venture between BC Biocarbon and Dunkley Lumber Ltd.

The refinery will convert residual biomass, such as bark and sawdust, from forest operations into products like biochar.

“If you add this char process to the soil, it acts as a water-holding medium,” said Kris Hayman, Vice President of Finance and Eastern Operations with Dunkley Lumber. “So, you can take very sandy soil and create the ability for it to hold moisture for a longer period of time, adding to the soil’s ability to grow.”

Hayman explained this could help farmers use land that isn’t typically suitable for growing crops.

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During the process to make the biochar, a water-like substance is created from the residual biomasses which is called wood vinegar.

“It can be refined down to make a number of different products… potentially a deicer in some instances, also an insect repellant in agricultural processes and even potentially a weed deterrent in agricultural processes,” said Hayman.

The refining process can also create bio-oil which can be a substitute for oil and petroleum products.

Hayman added the entire process is environmentally friendly. Right now, most residual biomasses are burned for power generation which creates emissions.

“(This refining process) is capturing carbon that otherwise would have been released to the environment through decay or the burning process,” said Hayman.

Meanwhile, the refinery is expected to be up and running in the next six to eight weeks with the hope of having it work sometime in August.

BioLesna Carbon Technologies LP is also planning to hire from the Carrot River community and surrounding areas.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow