WBCEC, an indigenous-led consortium has taken a major step forward in building a $210 million biorefinery in Fort Frances, Ontario, that will produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel from woody biomass, reports Biodiesel Magazine.
Wanagekong-Biiwega’iganan Clean Energy Corp. (WBCEC), which is owned 80% by ten First Nation communities, has completed its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study, confirming the project’s technology and business model. The initiative is being developed in partnership with Highbury Energy Inc. and Emerging Fuel Technology (EFT).
Once operational in 2028, the facility is expected to create 84 direct and indirect jobs, strengthen Canada’s forestry sector, and generate long-term economic opportunities for the participating First Nations. The fuels produced will have net-zero carbon intensity, supporting Canada’s low-carbon mandates, while also improving forest management by reducing fire risk and making use of leftover wood fiber.
Highbury Energy CEO Len Bykowski said the collaboration “brings together advanced technologies with the strength of Indigenous leadership and the backing of all levels of government.”
EFT noted that its Fischer-Tropsch Technology Platform is central to the project, calling it a step toward practical and scalable decarbonization.
