Canadian Biomass • Spring 2024 • Project of the Year

In the small, remote village of Fort Simpson, nestled at the confluence of the McKenzie and Liard Rivers in the Northwest Territories, an innovative approach to sustainable energy has revolutionized their infrastructure — and earned them national recognition.

The village was recently honored as the Winner of the 2024 Canadian Biomass Project of the Year, a testament to their pioneering efforts in integrating biomass heating systems into their community.

“Thank you to Canadian Biomass for recognizing the community of Fort Simpson,” said Mayor Sean Whelly in his acceptance speech. “We’re just a small community, but we’re certainly at the forefront of seeing climate change impact communities.”

Fort Simpson, population 1,200, has witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of climate change, underscored by severe wildfires in the surrounding regions, he said.

This has catalyzed a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship within the community.

“We recognize the importance of using alternative energy and not contributing to the carbon issue. We want to reduce our impact as much as possible,” Whelly said.

The award-winning project involved the installation of biomass heating systems in two of the village’s main municipal infrastructure buildings, including a swimming pool and fitness center, which were connected to a district biomass heating plant run by the territorial government. Additionally, an entirely new system was set up for their water treatment plant.

Whelly highlighted the collaborative efforts that made these initiatives possible, particularly praising the Arctic Energy Alliance.

“Because we are a small community... to gain the knowledge and the skills to be able to do this kind of project, we engaged quite a lot with Arctic Energy,” he said. The alliance assisted in hiring an energy champion and undertaking an energy plan, which were pivotal in seeing the project through to completion.

This transition to biomass heating is not only a step towards environmental conservation but also a cost-effective solution for the community, he said.

ARCTIC ENERGY ALLIANCE EARNS HONORABLE MENTION FOR PIONEERING COMMUNITY HEATING SOLUTIONS

In the frostbitten reaches of the Northwest Territories, the Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) is redefining community heating with sustainable solutions that have earned them an honorable mention at the 2024 Canadian Biomass Awards.

The AEA’s Biomass Program has been an example of innovation and sustainability. Through comprehensive projects ranging from supporting existing systems to implementing new community- scale biomass heating solutions, AEA has become synonymous with renewable energy education and advocacy in the N.W.T.

A crucial aspect of the program is its focus on the operational success of existing biomass systems. “Supporting these systems is essential,” said Michelle Leger, project coordinator at AEA. “It’s not just about building new infrastructures; it’s crucial to ensure that what is already built works well.”

Collaboration lies at the heart of the Biomass Program. AEA works closely with various stakeholders including community governments, indigenous governments, and local businesses to conduct prefeasibility studies and set up community biomass district heating systems.

“Our partnerships are designed to empower communities,” said Leger. “They are pivotal in transitioning from traditional fuel sources to biomass, which is not only more economical but also environmentally friendly.”

FROM INDUSTRIAL DECLINE TO BIOMASS BOOM: BELLEDUNE PORT’S SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION

New Brunswick’s Belledune Port Authority (BPA) has captured Honourable Mention for Community Project of the Year. The Port of Belledune, under the stewardship of president and CEO Denis Caron, has emerged as Eastern Canada’s premier exporter of biomass, recording a sixth consecutive year of growth in wood pellet volume.

“This has been a journey of strategic foresight and robust partnerships aimed at enhancing our capacity for climate-friendly energy sources,” Caron said. The port’s shipment volume soared from 223,948 tonnes in 2018 to a projected 510,000 tonnes in 2024, driven by $15 million in investments to expand terminal capacities and storage facilities.

With its eye on the future, the port has not only increased its handling capabilities but also its resilience against global economic shifts. “Even during the global supply chain slowdowns brought by the pandemic, our focus on biomass helped sustain and grow our annual profits,” said Caron. The Port of Belledune’s success is closely tied to the global pivot away from fossil fuels, with much of its exported biomass destined for European power plants transitioning away from coal.

ECOSTRAT WINS 2024 CANADIAN BIOMASS COMPANY OF THE YEAR FOR PIONEERING BIOECONOMY SOLUTIONS

In an era increasingly defined by the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, Ecostrat has emerged as a leader in innovation and efficacy in the biomass sector. The company has become synonymous with its groundbreaking Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone ratings. These ratings serve as a rigorous risk assessment tool that evaluates the potential for bio-manufacturing in various regions based on biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure.

Over the past year, Ecostrat has made significant strides in enhancing the credibility and utility of BDO Zone ratings. In 2023, these efforts were bolstered by the support from the Standards Council of Canada and the Canadian Standards Association’s anticipated release of the BDO Zone National Standard of Canada in early 2025. “Our BDO Zone Initiative has transformed how regions attract and accelerate bioproject development, making it a cornerstone of regional bioeconomic planning,” said CEO Jordan Solomon. The company’s achievements include facilitating more than $1 billion in capital for the development of advanced biorefineries, such as Velocys’ Bayou Fuels project in Natchez, Mississippi. “The BDO Zone Rating was instrumental in supporting this significant capital raise,” Solomon said.

Ecostrat’s influence extends beyond North America. With over 48 BDO Zone ratings issued and more than 100 expected by the end of 2024, the company’s standards are being recognized globally as essential tools for advancing the bioeconomy. This international acclaim is reflected in the recent U.S. Department of Agriculture’s report, which references the BDO Zone ratings four times as a key element in America’s bioeconomy framework. “We are proud to be at the vanguard of biomass supply chain innovation, helping to derisk and scale up the global bioeconomy,” Solomon said.

The numbers tell an impressive story: Fink Machine has installed more than 180 systems across Canada, cumulatively generating more than 55 megawatts of energy. As a major supplier of commercial and institutional biomass boilers its portfolio includes Mawera and Schmid biomass boilers, along with custom-fabricated, plug-and-play heating plants, it said.

It was recognized with an honourable mention as the 2024 Canadian Biomass Company of the Year. The past year has been noteworthy, highlighted by several projects. One of the standout achievements was the development of the Sicamous District Energy System, where Fink Machine not only supplied the boilers but also spearheaded the design and construction of the entire plant. This project exemplifies their expertise, from managing construction to installing the boiler and heating lines, and successfully connecting clients to the new system.

Another significant installation was for the Saanich Commonwealth Games pool in Victoria. The successful implementation of a low-carbon heating solution in such a challenging environment underscores Fink Machine’s ability to handle demanding projects and provides a model for other urban centers looking to reduce carbon footprints.

BSB was founded in 2011 in New Brunswick by Jean-Claude Savoie, owner of Groupe Savoie, and Malcolm Fisher, owner of Compact Appliances. Fast forward a little more than a decade, and the company has been honoured with an Honourable Mention for 2024 Company of the Year, underscoring its growing influence and commitment to sustainable energy solutions across Canada.

Jonathan Levesque, BSB’s general manager, said the company has been on a growth spurt — broadening its horizons beyond the Maritimes to embrace opportunities across Canada, including ventures in the Northwest Territories and Quebec.

“We offer forced air, warm-hot water and steam systems ranging from 20 kW up to 20MW capacity,” said Levesque. “Some of our systems can use a variety of biomass, such as wood pellets, wood chips, demolition wood and agricultural waste.”

One of their flagship products is the Binder boiler — a solution that is designed according to customer specifications. “Tell me what you want to burn, and I’ll design a boiler for you,” Levesque said.

The genesis of BSB traces back to a transformative industry tour in Austria in 2011, which was a pivotal moment for the company. This experience highlighted the potential for local markets for biomass products, steering the company’s founding philosophy.

“Why export all our wood pellets overseas when there’s a market in our own country?” Levesque said.