The Government of Ontario in Canada has announced the second phase of funding under the Forest Biomass Programme.
The C$9.4 million (€6.4 million) investment is designed to develop the untapped economic potential and environmental benefits of new and emerging uses of under-utilised wood and mill by-products, according to the authority.
The first phase of the funding was announced last December, and Ontario's Forest Biomass Action Plan is part of a broader Forest Sector Strategy launched in 2020.
The strategy sets out the province’s plan to create jobs and encourage economic growth in the forestry industry, supporting the Indigenous, northern and rural communities that depend on the sector while ensuring forests are managed sustainably for generations to come.
Amongst the beneficiaries are Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill, which will receive C$5,000,000 (€3.4 million). The funding will be used to modernise the mill's electrical system by upgrading and improving equipment, enabling future measures to expand green energy production, reduce emissions and increase forest biomass usage.
Rutter Urban Forestry has been awarded C$245,000 (€168.5k) to support renewable energy production and deliver clean and cost-efficient heat generation by acquiring a mobile forest biomass chipper and tractor to produce heating chips.
The programme will provide C$200,000 (€137.6k) to Lake Nipigon Forest Management. This funding will enable the organisation to increase the use of forest biomass and expand alternative fuel production by supporting the development of a renewable natural gas and biocarbon facility.
“Our Forest Biomass Programme has delivered dozens of critical investments to launch the future of Ontario’s forest sector,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Today’s investment continues that progress, with targeted funding that will create jobs, strengthen communities and redefine our forestry sector in Ontario.”
Ontario invests C$9.4 million into forest biomass projects
