The Ontario government is investing $2.25 million through the Forest Biomass Program to help CHAR Technologies commercialize biocoal, a low-carbon fuel derived from forest mill by-products and underused wood. This investment aims to develop a new supply chain for made-in-Ontario forest products, create revenue streams for the forestry sector, and enable heavy industries to adopt sustainable fuels, while helping forest businesses adapt and remain competitive amid U.S. tariffs.
Associate Minister of Forestry Kevin Holland emphasized that supporting innovative businesses in the forest sector will create stable, long-term opportunities for workers and communities, strengthen local supply chains, and position Ontario as a global leader in biocoal. The funding will help CHAR Technologies improve biocoal’s storage and transport durability for use in steelmaking at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, support six existing jobs, create four new positions, and put up to 180,000 tonnes of forest biomass to productive use each year.
The initiative also establishes a new supply chain with significant growth potential, demonstrating biocoal’s viability to other heavy industries and contributing to a broader biofuel network. CHAR Technologies CEO Andrew White highlighted that the investment will strengthen local markets, support Northern Ontario jobs, and expand opportunities for exporting Ontario-made biocarbon to Europe.
Since 2023, the Forest Biomass Program has committed over $50 million to more than 55 projects, supporting the Forest Biomass Action Plan and driving growth in Ontario’s forest bioeconomy. Recent reports showcase successes in maximizing wood value, creating jobs, and exploring emerging biomass applications. Additional investments, including $6.4 million under the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, have expanded CHAR Technologies’ Thorold facility, which produces renewable natural gas and biocarbon.
Ontario’s forest sector generated $21.6 billion in revenue from manufactured goods and services in 2023 and supported over 128,000 jobs in 2024. The government’s ongoing investments, along with collaborations with stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous communities, aim to create resilient forest supply chains, promote innovation, and advance Ontario as a leader in the forest bioeconomy.
