The Carbonity 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 plant in Port-Cartier, Canada’s first industrial facility of its kind, has been temporarily shut down since October 31st.

The company’s general manager, Patrick Girard, stated that the initial cause for the halt was a technical issue stemming from a computer system update, which put stress on certain equipment.

While Mr. Girard confirmed that the immediate technical issue has been resolved, Carbonity is using the operational pause to conduct maintenance and optimization work. He noted that the company has identified several measures to improve its processes since starting production in February.

The plant, located in the Port-Cartier industrial complex, began producing biochar in February of this year. Biochar is a product made from forest residues like bark and wood chips, valued by farmers for its ability to improve nutrient retention in soil. Carbonity aims to produce 10,000 tonnes of biochar in 2025 using by-products from Groupe Rémabec.

The duration of the operational pause has not been specified by Carbonity.