In Canada, Airex Energy Inc., Groupe Rémabec, and SUEZ have joined forces to create CARBONITY, Canada's first industrial biochar production plant in Port-Cartier, Québec (QC). The first phase of the plant will be finalized in 2024 and is the first project resulting from the partnership between SUEZ and Airex Energy which aims to produce 350 000 tonnes of biochar by 2035.
The first phase of the plant will have an initial production capacity of 10 000 tonnes per year. By 2026, annual production capacity will triple, making it the largest biochar plant in North America.
This is the first project resulting from the partnership between SUEZ and Airex Energy which aims to produce 350 000 tonnes of biochar by 2035.
By transforming forest and agricultural residues into carbon sinks and fertilizers, SUEZ creates value over the entire life cycle of the material. SUEZ will leverage its expertise in constructing and operating industrial facilities to enable the global deployment of this groundbreaking decarbonization solution, said Yves Rannou, Chief Operating Officer of Recycling & Recovery, EVP of SUEZ.
The facility, owned by CARBONITY, a joint venture equally owned by the three partners, will employ 75 people locally.
We are delighted to be a partner in this major project, which represents an unparalleled opportunity for decarbonization in Québec. This project is the perfect example of the growth and decarbonization strategy advocated by the Québec government, said Michel Gagnon, CEO of Airex Energy and Chairman of the joint venture.
This first Canadian facility will leverage the cutting-edge equipment, profound expertise, and proprietary “CarbonFX” technology developed by Airex Energy as well as the expertise of SUEZ, a world leader in the transformation and valorization of organic waste, agricultural soil enhancement, biofertilizers, and new resources from the circular economy.
This project brings to the forefront CarbonFX technology, an innovation proudly developed in Québec, which is now considered a benchmark worldwide, Michel Gagnon said.
Biochar from residual biomass
The Port-Cartier facility will produce carbon-rich biochar with high environmental qualities from the residual biomass of Groupe Rémabec – the largest private forestry company in Québec, and the province’s second-largest sawmiller.
Biochar is a material with highly promising environmental benefits, identified by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as one of five negative-emission solutions to curb global warming and help achieve the carbon-neutral targets set by the Paris Agreement.
With our partners Airex Energy and SUEZ, we are aiming on creating a more sustainable economy by accelerating decarbonization. We are committed to promoting innovation, fostering new technologies, and investing in solutions to tackle climate change head-on while providing the forest industry with new opportunities. Together, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future, said Réjean Paré, President and Chief Operating Officer of Groupe Rémabec.
Public support
The CARBONITY project was made possible with the financial participation of the Québec and Canadian Governments.
A contribution of CA$7.5 million comes from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program, which aims to support the competitiveness and transformation of Canada’s forest sector through targeted investments in advanced technologies and products.
Canada’s forest sector has been an economic driver for communities across Canada, providing livelihoods and opportunities for workers and families. By investing in innovative technologies and practices, such as CARBONITY, we are creating pathways to lower emissions and good jobs for workers in this key sector, commented the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources.
The project also received a CA$3 million repayable contribution under the Canada Economic Development (CED) for Quebec Regions Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
CED’s assistance will cover the acquisition and installation of digital production equipment such as grinders and dryers.
The Government of Canada has made concrete commitments to demonstrate that a strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand. That is why Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is granting a repayable contribution of CA$3 million to CARBONITY for its set-up project in Port-Cartier. By assisting startups and supporting innovation in the development of greener technologies and products, we are paving the way for the jobs of tomorrow, said The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED.
Biochar: a wide range of benefits
Used as a soil amendment, biochar offers several benefits, including carbon sequestration, increased nutrient retention, and optimized soil aeration and drainage. Its properties allow it to contribute to soil regeneration, limit the use of fertilizers and sustain water resources.
When added to concrete or asphalt formulations, biochar brings new functionalities to the final material while helping to reduce its carbon footprint, a key issue for the construction sector.
Furthermore, the production of biochar at high-temperature and with oxygen-free pyrolysis will generate surplus energy in the form of steam or pyrolysis oil, which can be directly reused on site.
With this project, Québec is putting additional tools in place to decarbonize its economy. This new biochar plant will make it possible to decarbonize certain metallurgical and agricultural processes more rapidly while creating economic benefits here on the North Shore, commented Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for Montréal and the Metropolitan Region.
Access voluntary carbon credit market
Once fully operational, the project is expected to sequester up to 75 000 tonnes of carbon annually.
By sequestering carbon, biochar production will generate guaranteed, certified carbon credits that will be sold on the voluntary market by Switzerland-based First Climate AG, one of the world’s leading providers of carbon management and green energy services to businesses and the public sector.
Our partnership with CARBONITY is an important step in the implementation of large-scale carbon storage and recovery projects. The players entering this market have confirmed the potential of biochar to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. First Climate will ensure that the carbon recovery achieved through the groundbreaking Port-Cartier industrial project will be sustainable, transparent, and value-added, in compliance with the highest standards and norms, said Olaf Bachert, CEO of First Climate.
