By Rosalind Russell – A study focusing on converting the former Domtar Espanola pulp and paper mill to a clean energy production facility is expected to be released soon.
The BMI Group, which now owns the property newly named Bioveld North, contracted CHAR Technologies to carry out the study over the last year to grade the viability of converting the facility to become a biocarbon manufacturing facility.
The study, which focuses on various aspects of feasibility, is expected to focus on engineering, and conversion in designing it for its new role with some $10-million dollars being invested by BMI for the project.
CHAR has been successful in developing a kiln technology using high-temperature pyrolysis to produce a renewable natural gas and a bio-coal product from residual wood waste and the two companies are also working on a similar project in Thorold, Ontario.
The Espanola operation is expected to produce up to 50,000 tonnes of biocarbon annually using locally sourced wood waster and forestry residuals, and also generate synthetic gas, with future potential for renewable natural gas production.
The results of the study are expected to be released soon.
“The Espanola site, with significant access to biomass materials, wastes and residuals, gives us the opportunity to scale our technology well beyond what was possible at Thorold,” said CHAR Tech CEO Andrew White in a statement.
“This study is about defining the details needed to move from development into construction on a larger, more integrated facility located within one of Canada’s most significant forestry regions.”
“Partnering with CHAR Tech allows us to move quickly into detailed planning and construction,” said Paul Veldman, CEO of the BMI Group.
“This project is a cornerstone of our vision to put wood back to work through innovation, full-fibre utilization, and clean-energy production. “Espanola is a long-term asset with the potential to create durable jobs, strengthen forestry supply chains, and anchor a new generation of low-carbon industry in the North.”
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