CHAR Technologies Ltd. and The BMI Group (BMI) have announced a CAD 10 million commitment from BMI to advance the engineering and design phase of a major biocarbon facility in Espanola, Ontario. This project, situated at the Bioveld North site—a former pulp and paper mill—is designed to produce 50,000 tonnes of biocarbon annually. This capacity represents a fivefold increase over the partners’ existing Thorold Renewable Energy Facility. The current engineering and design study, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, aims to define the technical scope, secure feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More, and integrate CHAR Tech’s proprietary high-temperature pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More (HTP) technology into the site’s existing industrial infrastructure.

The primary challenge addressed by this initiative is the need to scale carbon-neutral industrial solutions while revitalizing idle industrial infrastructure in Northern Ontario. Traditional industrial sites often face obsolescence, leaving significant infrastructure and regional biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More resources underutilized. Simultaneously, heavy industries require a reliable, large-scale supply of biocarbon to meet decarbonization goals. By targeting a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes, the partners are addressing the historical difficulty of moving biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More production from small-scale pilot projects to significant industrial volumes that can support major sectors like steel manufacturing.

The solution involves a strategic partnership that pairs CHAR Tech’s HTP platform with BMI’s expertise in industrial redevelopment. The HTP process converts locally sourced wood waste and forestry residuals into low-carbon biocarbon and synthetic gas. This syngasSyngas, or synthesis gas, is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is produced during gasification and can be used as a fuel source or as a feedstock for producing other chemicals and fuels.   More offers further utility, with the potential to be used directly on-site or upgraded into renewable natural gas (RNG) in future project phases. By repurposing the Bioveld North facility, the project utilizes established logistics and biomass supply chains, allowing for a more rapid and cost-effective deployment of clean technology than greenfield developments.

Anticipated outcomes of this CAD 10 million commitment include the transition from developmental planning to the construction of a large-scale, integrated facility. The project is expected to re-establish the Espanola site as a significant industrial employer and a clean energy anchor for Northern Ontario. Beyond the production of 50,000 tonnes of biocarbon, the facility will strengthen regional forestry supply chains through full-fiber utilization. This collaboration serves as a blueprint for the partners’ growing pipeline of projects, demonstrating how legacy industrial assets can be transformed into high-value, low-carbon production centers.