In recognition of BC Bioenergy Day, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Minister, Steve Thomson issued the following statement:

“Today is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of the bioenergy sector to British Columbia and the world.

“Bioenergy reduces waste, creates jobs, and helps this province meet its climate change goals. Bioenegy uses organic material like agricultural waste and forestry by-products to generate heat and energy. It's a viable, valuable source of clean energy.

“In B.C., trees are our biggest source of bioenergy. Some 9.4 million tonnes of wood fibre, or about one-third of the total harvested biomass, is used annually to produce energy. And while many jurisdictions are just getting on the bioenergy bandwagon, B.C. companies have been doing it for decades. And we're constantly growing the industry. Right now in Mackenzie, Conifex Timber is completing the 36 megawatt Mackenzie Power Project, while in Merritt, Green Energy Limited Partnership is developing a 40 megawatt bioenergy plant that will use mill wood waste and roadside residuals for fuel.

“At the same time, B.C. is actively supporting the development of innovative bioenergy projects through organizations such as the BC Bioenergy Network, FPInnovations and the province’s universities, and we are also beginning to export both our know-how and bioenergy fuel around the world. Already, B.C. is the second largest supplier of wood pellets to the growing coal replacement market in the United Kingdom, and we are honing our sites on Asia's growing bioenergy industry.

“Congratulations to those leaders and innovators who have taken B.C.'s bioenergy industry to the forefront. Let's join with them to celebrate the brighter, cleaner future as the world embraces bioenergy.”

Media Contacts:

Greig Bethel
Media Relations
Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261