Char Technologies receives $10M for Espanola from BMI

Executive Summary

• Char Technologies Ltd. has received a $10 million CAD commitment from The BMI Group to advance the engineering and design study for the Espanola Biocarbon Project in Ontario.
• The project, located at the former pulp and paper mill site (Bioveld North), aims to produce up to 50,000 tonnes of biocarbon annually using locally sourced wood waste and forestry residuals.
• The engineering and design study is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, which will define the technical scope, secure feedstock supply, and confirm integration with existing industrial infrastructure.

Key Details

• Financial Commitment: $10 million CAD commitment from The BMI Group.
• Project Capacity: Expected production of up to 50,000 tonnes of biocarbon per year.
• Comparison: This capacity is five times that of Char Tech's existing Thorold renewable energy facility.
• Location: Bioveld North, the former pulp and paper mill site in Espanola, Ontario, recently acquired by BMI.
• Technology: Utilizes Char Tech's high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) platform to convert wood waste and forestry residuals into low-carbon biocarbon and synthetic gas.
• Synthetic Gas Utilization: Potential for direct on-site use by the Bioveld North facility or upgrading to renewable natural gas in a later phase.
• Study Timeline: Completion expected in calendar Q1 2026.
• Study Objectives: Define technical scope, assess/secure feedstock supply, and confirm integration requirements (utilities, biomass handling, logistics, production scaling).
• Strategic Context: Part of BMI's strategy to pair clean technologies with legacy industrial infrastructure; aims to create durable jobs and strengthen forestry supply chains in Northern Ontario.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew White, CEO of Char Tech: "The Espanola site, with significant access to biomass materials, wastes and residuals, gives us the opportunity to scale our technology well beyond what was possible at Thorold. This study is about defining the details needed to move from development into construction on a larger, more integrated facility located within one of Canada's most significant forestry regions."
• Paul Veldman, CEO of The BMI Group: "BMI acquired the Espanola site to bring it back to life and return it to productive industrial use. Partnering with Char Tech allows us to move quickly into detailed planning and construction. This project is a cornerstone of our vision to put wood back to work through innovation, full-fibre utilization and clean energy production. Espanola is a long-term asset with the potential to create durable jobs, strengthen forestry supply chains and anchor a new generation of low-carbon industry in the North."