WPAC 2012 AGM presentations available

Hosted in Quebec City over 1.5 days, the program and presentations include:

• WPAC executive director Gordon Murray's overview of current Canadian pellet production capacity and operating levels, as well as an overview of the work being done to develop and protect markets at home and abroad.
• Arnold Dale of Ekman & Co.'s reflections on current trends and developments in the international pellets market, including the massive impact that the developing UK biomass market will have on pellet mill demand, as well as the impact of the thriving EU home heating market (bagged pellets).
• The Quebec Wood Export Bureau (QWEB)'s Pierre-Olivier Morency on the situation for eastern Canada's pellet producers, including production well below capacity and the need for new domestic markets and export logistics.
• An overview of the new supply, logistics and export study of eastern Canada from study consultants CPCS.
• Detailed nformation on two types of torrefaction demonstration plants currently in operation in the EU by technology supplier Andritz Pulp & Paper's Andy Eyer.
• An update on the wide range of R&D work being spearheaded by WPAC research director Staffan Melin.
• An introduction to the complete range of pellet mill gear from Andritz Feed and Biofuel, including the supplier's new Biomax over-sized pellet mill.
• A review of the technology now available in Canada from Chinese pellet mill equipment supplier Muyang.
• Jenna MacDonald, director of marketing's introduction to the facilities and services offered out of the deep water Port of Belledune in eastern New Brunswick, including indoor storage for 30,000 tonnes and the opportunity for multiple pellet manufacturers to consolidate export shipping.
• A discussion of opportunities for export shippers to use tipping spreaders from RAM Spreaders to improve the efficiencies of containerized bulk handling.

These complete presentations are available at the WPAC website.