Airex to build biomass torrefaction plant in Laval

With support from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), Airex Energy will complete the two tonne/hour biomass torrefaction demonstration plant by the end of 2013.

Airex’s CarbonFX torrefaction technology removes moisture and volatile organic compounds from woody and agricultural biomass in order to produce a dry, blackened material known as bio-coal, which is a renewable, carbon-neutral fuel that can replace bituminous coal and fuel oil in combustion, filtration and metallurgical applications. The demonstration plant will be developed in partnership with Comact Equipment Inc.

“We are extremely grateful for the financial support that SDTC has provided Airex Energy,” Pierre Desroches, President and Executive Director of Laval Technopole, the city’s economic development agency. “It is through their innovation, talent, commitment and perseverance that our companies will be able to meet competitive challenges and make a name for themselves on the international business scene. That such infrastructure is being developed here is very good news for Laval, as it fits in with the City’s intention to institute a comprehensive program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, pointed out.”

“Our government is doing its part to foster innovation and provide support for the next wave of green technologies, which will help protect our environment and create high-quality jobs” added the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “The fact that we are investing in projects such as this demonstrates our leadership in ensuring the expansion of a dynamic Canadian industry developing environmentally friendly technologies.”

“SDTC is proud to add this initiative to its portfolio of projects, which now totals over $2 billion,” said Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. “Once Canadian companies purchase and use these technologies, a whole range of industries will be able to grow their share of the world market. As Canada is endeavouring to diversify its export markets by working with new trade partners in emerging economies, such innovative technologies will help make Canadian natural resources and products more attractive—and thus more competitive—internationally.”