Company Profile Bringing biomass to Atlantic Canada By Taylor Fredericks There was a time when Daron Tho m as, the president of New Brunswick-based Thomas Industrial Sales Ltd., had his doubts about the viability of biomass. “I remember when our company first came across biomass possibilities back in the ‘80s,” he says. “The problem back then was that there was so much uncer-tainty around these types of projects. Consistent sourcing was an issue, and the efficiency and emissions levels for a lot of the equipment wasn’t anywhere near what it is today.” These days, however, Thomas has few reservations about the value and long-term prospects of biomass. With more than 20 biomass heating systems installed and serviced across Atlantic Canada, Thomas Industrial has become a leader in renewable energy, and an important educator and stakeholder in Atlantic Canada. This year alone, the multidisciplinary heating company has been awarded three public biomass contracts—including heating systems for two schools and one correctional facility—in addition to three other bio-mass projects currently in the works. The key, Thomas has found, is in the technological advancements and educa-tional opportunities that have come to characterize biomass development in recent years. “Now, we view biomass in the same (L to R) The team of Terry Thibodeau, Sylvio Landry, Ben Tye and Daron Thomas installed the biomass-fuelled radiant heating system at Les Residences Jodin in Edmundston, N.B. 10 Canadian BIOMASS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
Canadian Biomass November December 2016: Page 10
