The Ontario government on Dec. 9 announced it will invest $2.25 million through the Forest Biomass Program to help CHAR Technologies commercialize the production of biocoal, a low-carbon fuel made from forest mill byproducts and underused wood.&nbsp;The funding will support CHAR Technologies’ efforts to improve biocoal storage and transport durability, which are needed for use in steelmaking at ArcelorMittal Dofasco. According to the Onterio government, the project will support six existing jobs, create four new jobs and build a more productive and diversified forest sector by putting up to 180,000 metric tons of forest biomass to use annually. The project is also expected to establish a new supply chain with significant potential for future growth, as collaboration between the forest sector and steel industry is expected to demonstrate the potential to use biofuel in other heavy industries.&nbsp;“We thank the Ontario government for its support to accelerate CHAR Technologies’ work in advancing biocarbon pellets as a made-in-Ontario, drop-in replacement for fossil carbon in steelmaking,” said Andrew White, CEO of CHAR Technologies. “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.”CHAR Technologies on Dec. 4 announced the delivery of the first of two commercial high temperature pyrolysis (HTP) kilns at its Thorold Renewable Energy Facility. The company said installation of the HTP kiln and feedstock handling line conveyors is currently underway. Phase 1 of the project remains on track for commissioning and commercial biocarbon production in January 2026, according to the company.&nbsp;Under Phase 1, the Thorold facility will convert up to 35,000 metric tons of wood waste per year into 5,000 metric tons of biocarbon, most of which will be used locally by ArcelorMittal Dofasco. In Phase 2 of the project, CHAR Technologies plans to install a second HTP kiln to double production capacity, add methanation equipment to upgrade synthetic gas into renewable natural gas (RNG), and construct an onsite natural gas pipeline injection point. Phase 2 is currently expected to be completed next year.&nbsp;“Getting the kiln on site and into installation is a big moment for Thorold,” White said in a statement released by CHAR Technologies on Dec. 4. “The team and our partners at BMI have kept the build advancing at a strong pace, and now we’re into the final stretch of Phase 1. With installation underway, we’re lined up to flip the switch on initial commercial operations in January.” &nbsp;

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The Ontario government on Dec. 9 announced it will invest $2.25 million through the Forest Biomass Program to help CHAR Technologies commercialize the production of biocoal, a low-carbon fuel made from forest mill byproducts and underused wood. 

Ontario invests $2.25 million in CHAR Technologies

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