B.C. bio-coal project gets $1m shot in the arm

The Burnaby, BC-based company, in partnership with Lafarge Canada, Seabird Island First Nations and Jake's Construction will develop a commercial demonstration production facility for its waste biomass to bio-coal process. Bio-coal is mechanically and physically equivalent to coal, but is considered carbon-neutral and is produced using waste feedstock and other waste biomass.

"Our Government is doing its part to encourage innovation and the next wave of clean technologies to help protect our environment and create high-quality jobs," said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "Investment in projects such as these demonstrates our leadership in driving a vibrant clean technology industry in Canada."

"Diacarbon Energy is very pleased to receive this investment of $1 million from SDTC and the Government of Canada", said Jerry Ericsson. This investment will allow us to scale up our biofuel project to provide a technological demonstration for the production of bio-coal using a self-sustaining indirect heating approach. Essentially we are working to convert Canada's waste biomass into clean energy on a larger scale – something that will contribute to a healthier environment and Canadian economy".

"SDTC is proud to add this project to its portfolio, now valued at more than $2 billion. When purchased and used by Canadian industry, the clean technologies developed by portfolio companies will enable a variety of sectors to increase their share of global markets," said Dr. Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. "As Canada works to diversify its export markets, working with new trading partners in emerging countries, these innovative technologies will help make Canadian natural resources and products more globally attractive and competitive."

Diacarbon Energy's thermal biomass refinery (TBR) is a system that uses a thermo-chemical process to convert biomass into bio-coal, bio-oil, and syngas. Bio-coal yields more energy than the wood pellets commonly used as a coal alternative, making it ideal for heat and power producers which include cement facilities, combined heat and power (CHP) and district heating applications as well as coal-fired power generators.