Thorold, Canada: CHAR Technologies Ltd. (CHAR Tech) has received final electrical approval from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for its Thorold Renewable Energy Facility in Ontario, Canada, clearing the way to heat its first high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) kiln to operating temperature, Canadian Biomass reported.
The company said the approval was the first of two regulatory clearances required after the completion of major mechanical and electrical work at the facility’s Phase 1 in October. The remaining approval is expected from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).
Once the TSSA clearance is received, CHAR Tech plans to begin commercial production under Phase 1, which is designed to produce up to 5,500 tonnes of biocarbon annually.
The biocarbon will be supplied to customers, including ArcelorMittal Dofasco, which plans to use it as a replacement for fossil-based carbon in its steel manufacturing operations under an agreement with CHAR Tech.
CHAR Tech CEO Andrew White said the company was preparing the facility for the final TSSA approval and described it as the last major step before commercial production. He added that the experience gained from operating the Thorold facility would support the company’s other projects under development.
Phase 2 of the project will involve installing a second high-temperature pyrolysis kiln, along with equipment to convert the gas produced during the process into renewable natural gas (RNG). The expansion will also include a connection to a pipeline for supplying the gas.
According to the company, once RNG production begins, the facility will become the world’s first plant to simultaneously produce renewable natural gas and biocarbon from wood waste.
The Thorold Renewable Energy Facility is jointly owned by CHAR Tech and The BMI Group, with each company holding a 50% stake.
