Char begins commissioning at Thorold plant

Executive Summary

• Char Technologies has commenced commissioning at its Thorold renewable energy facility, marking the start-up of feedstock receiving and handling systems ahead of the commercial high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) kiln.
• The company targets a Phase 1 biocarbon production run rate of 5,000 tonnes per year by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with production volumes expected to increase progressively as systems are tested and stabilized.
• Upon completion of Phase 1, Char Technologies intends to proceed with Phase 2 construction, which includes a second HTP kiln to double capacity, methanation equipment for renewable natural gas (RNG) production, and an on-site RNG pipeline injection point.

Key Details

• Facility Status: Commissioning has commenced at the Thorold renewable energy facility, described as the company's first commercial renewable energy and biocarbon production facility.
• Commissioning Sequence: Activities are being carried out in stages, beginning with feedstock receiving, handling, and preparation systems to ensure stable material flow before the commercial HTP kiln is commissioned.
• Production Targets: The company is targeting a ramp toward a Phase 1 biocarbon production run rate of 5,000 tonnes per year by the end of Q1 2026.
• Phase 2 Plans: Future construction includes:
  • Installation of a second HTP kiln to double biocarbon production capacity.
  • Addition of methanation equipment to upgrade synthetic gas into renewable natural gas (RNG).
  • Construction of an on-site RNG pipeline injection point.
• Ownership Structure: The Thorold facility is structured as a limited partnership with the BMI Group, in which Char Technologies holds a 50% ownership interest.
• Technology Context: The facility utilizes high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) systems to process unmerchantable wood and organic waste, generating renewable natural gas/green hydrogen and solid biocarbon as a carbon-neutral replacement for metallurgical coal.