Joint Announcement of an Investment of up to $20 million to develop a Pilot Biorefinery in Thunder Bay
Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, along with the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development, Mines, and Forestry, announced funding of up to $20 million to develop a forest biorefinery. The pilot project will test forest biomass for use in energy and next-generation forest products. The initial phase of the pilot project involves a feasibility study that will provide a complete analysis of the biorefinery's functions, including a pre-commercial process to extract wood fibres; identify market opportunities; assess output capacity of the demonstration plant; and determine full project costs.
An agreement was also reached by all partners to increase the research capacity and knowledge in the region, which will help Thunder Bay's reputation as a leading centre for bioeconomy research and innovation.
Of the project and agreement, Minister Gravelle was quoted as saying "The diversification of the forest industry in Ontario, including emerging innovative biofuel, is key to strengthening Ontario's forest sector now and into the future [...] we created the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy to bring business, government and communities together to develop new economic opportunities and help ensure a bright future for Northern Ontarians."
Located in Thunder Bay, the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy, or CRIBE, is a not-for-profit organization developed by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, which focuses on commercializing new forest products and technologies by working with leading researchers and industry. The province is currently investing $25 million in the CRIBE, which intends to attract world-class researchers and industry leaders to develop the next generation of renewable forestry bio-products.
Forest bio-products contribute an estimated $1 billion to Canada's economy and could one day be as important as the conventional forest economy.