Wedoany.com Report-May 28, Airex Energy, based in Bécancour, Quebec, Canada, along with Quebec’s Groupe Rémabec and France’s SUEZ Group, has launched Carbonity, Canada’s first industrial-scale biochar plant in Port-Cartier. This joint venture, equally owned by the three partners, began operations with an initial production capacity of 10,000 tons of biochar per year, with plans to triple output by the end of 2026, making it North America’s largest biochar facility and among the world’s largest.

Biochar, produced through high-temperature pyrolysis of biomass without oxygen, is recognized by the IPCC as an effective tool for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. It offers benefits in agriculture by enhancing soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity, while also improving construction materials like concrete and asphalt, reducing their carbon footprint. The production process generates surplus energy, such as steam or pyrolysis oil, which can be used on-site or supplied to nearby industries.

Located on Quebec’s North Shore, Carbonity utilizes 58,000 tons of forest residues annually from Groupe Rémabec’s operations, creating 75 direct and indirect jobs in the region. The plant leverages Airex Energy’s DryFX and CarbonFX technologies and SUEZ’s expertise in organic waste recovery and sustainable solutions to produce high-quality biochar.

“This inauguration is a true industrial milestone for Quebec. Airex Energy’s technology, including our patented CarbonFX and DryFX solutions, is central to this success,” said Michel Gagnon, CEO of Airex Energy and Chair of Carbonity’s Board. “Our primary mission is to contribute to the decarbonization of our economy.”

“Today, we are building a new economy—future-focused and environmentally committed,” said Réjean Paré, President and Chief Operating Officer of Groupe Rémabec. “This project breathes new life into a long-neglected industrial site.”

“We are very pleased to contribute to this pioneering biochar production project in Canada,” said Yves Rannou, Interim Co-CEO & Chief Operating Officer of SUEZ’s Recycling & Recovery. “Biochar will play a decisive role in the ecological transition of industrial companies.”

The project, supported by over $16 million from the Quebec and Canadian governments, aligns with sustainable development goals. “The federal government is proud to have contributed to this flagship project,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Biochar is a key solution for carbon sequestration.”

At full capacity, Carbonity will sequester 75,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually, generating certified carbon credits sold on the voluntary market by First Climate. In 2024, Microsoft committed to purchasing 36,000 carbon credits over the plant’s first three years, reinforcing its role in global decarbonization efforts.