By Cheryl Jahn

Canfor moves forward with Arbios

Oct 6, 2021 | 3:55 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It is new that many had been waiting for. Canfor has announced a positive final investment decision for the construction of the first phase of Arbios Biotech’s plant in Prince George, at the site of the present Intercon pulp mill. It would be located on a corner of Canfor’s existing Intercon site, taking up about 5% of the area. The Arbios plant would operate separately from the pulp mill but locating it at an existing industrial site close to feedstock offers environmental benefits.

Ultimately the plant will convert forestry residuals, primarily bark, using water under high pressure and high temperatures to create low carbon transportation fuels. The carbon intensity of Arbios biofuel will be 70% to 80% less than the fossil-fuel-based gasoline and diesel used today.

“I am particularly encouraged by the amount of research that went into this project,” says Melissa Barcellos, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Prince George. “I heard about it initially several years ago and they’ve been working on it behind the scenes, doing their research and development and getting to the point where they could make this announcement. And it’s so exciting to see where it started and how it’s going to move forward now.”

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This is the first phase of a multi-phase plant. It’s expected to generate 150 direct jobs and 600 indirect jobs with completion of the first phase before the end of 2022. Barcellos says this is another example of the evolution of forestry. “It’s not just flipping lumber anymore. It’s not blue-collar jobs. It’s innovation. It’s research and development and coming up with these new products.”

The new Arbios plant will be the first of its kind in Canada.