BC Biocarbon, Dunkley Lumber Ltd. to build new biorefinery in Carrot River, Sask.

A new joint venture between BC Biocarbon and Dunkley Lumber Ltd. will see the construction of a first-of-its-kind biorefinery in Carrot River, Sask.

Natural Resources Canada announced a $10-million contribution to the joint venture, BioLesna Carbon Technologies LP, through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program.

The Carrot River biorefinery will use BC Biocarbon’s proprietary processes to convert forest biomass into biochar, bio-oil, wood vinegar and pyrolysis gas. Further refined products can include soil additives, filtration media, electrodes and specialty chemicals.

Peter Popplewell, CEO of BC Biocarbon, said in a news release the company is thrilled to have NRCan’s support to build the biorefinery with Canadian technology.

“By supporting BioLesna’s project, NRCan has demonstrated their commitment not only to the continued technological evolution of the Canadian forest industry, but also to the importance of continued Canadian leadership in the development and deployment of leading-edge technologies that perform carbon removal and sequestration on an industrial scale,” Popplewell said.

Kris Hayman, vice-president of eastern operations for Dunkley Lumber, called innovative products like biochar from residual biomass “a great step forward in the evolution of Canada’s wood products industry.

“We’re proud to be part of this Canadian-made solution to a decades old challenge and look forward to seeing many similar installations over the coming years,” Hayman said.