This new source of energy is not without concerns; some worry it could encourage forest over-harvesting, which would disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity. A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS The Airex mill is very flexible when it comes down to the final product. Being able to modulate different parameters, like carbonization time, it can produce not only thermal biochar, but also acti-vated biochar, a product used to filter water, gases, gold and other metals. Airex can also make biocoke, used as a reduc-tion component in steel and silicium making industry, torrefied wood flour, used to manufacture composite material, or biochar intended to fertilize agricul-tural soils. In North America, coal is still pop-ular because it is a cheap fuel for thermal power stations. But things could change quickly as the fight against climate change grows. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has announced the province’s intention to replace coal – currently producing 50 per cent of their electricity – with green energy sources. In Europe, many coun-tries are already reducing their carbon footprint as well. “The global context is very favourable to this new source of energy,” Bertrand says. Across the country, newsprint decline makes it even more important for busi-nesses to look for new ways to use forest residuals. At the moment, the fibre market is in equilibrium, but it is hard to predict where it will go in coming years. “Biochar production could become an interesting market,” Bertrand says. In the rest of the world, many players have biomass surpluses, coming from palm oil, sugarcane or corn. If coal was the fuel source for the Industrial Revolution, can biochar become the fuel source for a green global shift? • IMPROVE BIOMASS MATERIAL HANDLING WITH THE GILBERT SILO RECLAIMER Thank you for trusting Gilbert BARK SHAVINGS SAWDUST PELLETS THE MOST DURABLE CANTILEVER SYSTEM • Fully electric • Very little maintenance • Turnkey package available P 418.275.5041 | [email protected] www.gilbert-tech.com CBM_Gilbert_JanFeb17_CSA.indd 1 Canadian BIOMASS 2017-01-17 7:30 AM 17 BM_JANFEB17.indd 17 2017-01-31 10:56 AM
Canadian Biomass January February 2017: Page 17
