Arbios Biotech Announces Completion of Its Biomass to Bio-oil Facility in Prince George.

(Arbios Biotech) Arbios Biotech, a leader in the commercialization of sustainable bio-oil production, is proud to announce the successful completion of construction of its Chuntoh Ghuna facility in Prince George, British Columbia. The facility uses Licella’s Cat-HTR^TM hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to transform forest residues and other woody residuals into a renewable bio-oil that can be refined into transportation fuels with a low carbon footprint. This milestone represents a significant step forward in Arbios’ commitment to delivering innovative sustainable solutions to drive industry and transportation towards a carbon neutral future.

“The completion of the Chuntoh Ghuna facility marks a pivotal moment for Arbios Biotech and our partners. This facility embodies our vision of creating a circular bioeconomy where low-value residues become a valuable renewable resource,” said Rune Gjessing, CEO of Arbios Biotech. “We are grateful for the support of all levels of government, the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, and everyone who has helped make this vision a reality.”

The facility was developed in close partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation on whose unceded territory it stands. The Nation named the facility Chuntoh Ghuna which means “the forest lives” in the Dakelh language. Chief Logan of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation stated, “As a Nation, we are focused on working with proponents and projects that focus on long-term environment sustainability. We are proud to see the completion of Chuntoh Ghuna, a facility that reflects our shared values of a sustainable bioeconomy. Further, this project demonstrates what can be achieved when Indigenous communities and industry collaborate in a meaningful way. We look forward to the positive impacts this facility will bring as we transition to a low-carbon future.”

The Arbios Biotech Chuntoh Ghuna facility is receiving support from the Government of British Columbia through the Province’s Initiative Agreement Program under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). In the development stages of the project, support was also provided by Sustainable Development Technology Canada; the BC Innovative Clean Energy Fund; and Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program.

Designed to produce 50,000 barrels of bio-oil a year, Chuntoh Ghuna is the largest HTL facility in the world and sets a new benchmark in advanced biofuel production. It serves as a blueprint for future global opportunities with an easily scaled modular design. The facility will play a key role in advancing technologies to produce drop-in renewable biofuels, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a clean energy future. Chuntoh Ghuna also contributes to the local economy, creating jobs and fostering long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities.

The facility has entered the commissioning phase, with operations commencing in 2025. Arbios Biotech remains committed to advancing sustainable biofuel solutions and fostering meaningful partnerships that benefit both people and the planet.

Arbios Biotech is a joint venture between technology pioneers Licella ( www.licella.com ) and integrated forest products company Canfor ( www.canfor.com ). Canfor is a global leader in the manufacturing of high-value low-carbon forest products including dimension and specialty lumber, engineered wood products, pulp and paper, wood pellets and green energy. Licella, a global leader in the field of Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) has dedicated 16 years to developing its patented Cat-HTR™ (‘Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor’) HTL platform that produces a low-carbon bio-intermediate, a renewable and sustainable bio-oil for the circular economy. Arbios Biotech uses Licella’s Cat-HTR^TM technology to transform low-value biomass residues into high-value renewable bio-oil that can be refined into sustainable fuels for hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and marine transportation. Arbios Biotech represents two leaders at the intersection of science and sustainability, accelerating the shift towards a circular low-carbon economy. For more information, please visit www.arbiosbiotech.com

About the Arbios Biotech Chuntoh Ghuna facility in Prince George, British Columbia

As the world’s largest hydrothermal liquefaction facility, Chuntoh Ghuna (pronounced Chan-toh Hannah) is designed to initially convert 25,000 ODT (dry tonnes) of wood residue biomass into 50,000 barrels of bio-oil annually. The facility is currently permitted to double this capacity, and the site footprint allows for further expansion. The Chuntoh Ghuna facility establishes Arbios Biotech as a renewable energy leader and serves as a blueprint for future global opportunities. As a step towards proving commercial viability at scale, the Chuntoh Ghuna facility paves the way for similar facilities in Europe and the Americas driving worldwide sustainable bio-oil production. READ MORE