@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
NORTHERN BC – BC Biocarbon, a leader in sustainable carbon solutions, has made significant strides in advancing bio-based alternatives to fossil fuels.
In 2018, the McBride based company successfully scaled up its operations with the support of a $50,000 rebate from Northern Development’s Northern Industries Innovation Fund (NIIF) program. This funding enabled BC Biocarbon to transition from a small pilot plant to a facility 10 times larger, allowing the production of large-scale trial samples ranging from 100 to 1,000 tonnes. These samples provided critical process and product data necessary for commercial engineering and industrial adoption.
Building on this success, BC Biocarbon recently secured $2.5 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada to advance an innovative process that converts municipal waste into biocoal for the cement industry. This breakthrough has the potential to transform waste management while providing a sustainable energy source for one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.
When used to replace fossil fuels in cement production, biocoal is considered carbon neutral, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of biocoal in the cement industry represents a major step toward meeting Canada’s climate targets and fostering a greener industrial sector.
This development is particularly important for Northern British Columbia, where BC Biocarbon’s operations contribute to economic growth and job creation. By leveraging local resources and talent, the company is helping to establish the region as a hub for sustainable industrial innovation. The investment in BC Biocarbon not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens the local economy by creating new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
“Northern Development is proud to have supported BC Biocarbon’s initial scale-up through our Northern Industries Innovation Fund,” said Ben Campbell, CFO/interim CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “Their success exemplifies how targeted investments can drive innovation, create economic opportunities, and position Northern B.C. as a leader in sustainable industrial development.”
With continued research and commercialization efforts, BC Biocarbon is poised to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions. The company’s advancements highlight the potential of bio-based technologies to drive economic and environmental progress, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Source: Northern Development
