Biofuel plant to open at Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper

Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper is getting a new roommate, as Greenwater Technology plans to set up shop in an old wafer board facility at the mill.

Greenwater will be developing a pilot plant for biofuel, to test out new technologies for creating diesel fuel with wood byproducts.

The $15.5 million project is getting off the ground with some assistance from the Ontario government, which is chipping in $5.5 million for the pilot plant.

Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland, who announced the investment at Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, says Greenwater’s pilot plant will “demonstrate their technology’s capacity and optimize production.”

If Greenwater can make the technology work at a viable cost, they plan to expand their profile with new plants to produce biofuel at a commercial scale.

The provincial government’s move to support the new plant comes as part of a new 10-year strategy that involves adapting and expanding the markets of the forestry sector.

Holland says the strategy will involve “expanding advanced wood construction, growing Ontario-made biofuels and biomaterials, unlocking new domestic and international markets, and attracting new investment into forestry communities.”

“Our goal is for Ontario to be recognized as the most competitive and innovative forest sector in the G-7,” he adds.

The province suggests Ontario-made biofuel could be used in industries such as aviation and transportation.