Airex Energy is a supplier of a torrefaction technology called the CarbonFX. This unique yet simple torrefaction process moved from being a proof of concept in 2010 to an industrial-scale technology in 2015. To prove to the market that this technology was ready for commercialisation, a fully integrated facility was built in the city of Becancour, Quebec, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City.

Near the St. Lawrence River, a stone’s throw away from the Gentilly nuclear power plant, the old LaPrade mill in Bécancour, Que., has come back to life. In one of the old concrete pools designed to produce heavy water, Airex Energy is testing its unique torrefaction process. Their goal: develop a large-scale biocoal technology made with forest biomass and agriculture waste.

Replacing coal with biomass as fuel? It could happen soon, thanks to the development of a technology that transforms biomass into biocoal. In Québec, this innovative process has been developed by Airex Energy, which opened the very first demonstration plant in Canada in December 2015 in Bécancour.