Highbury Energy and WBCEC Advance Biomass-to-Fuel Project in Ontario

WBCEC—a unique Indigenous-led, industry-supported consortium—has completed its FEED study, validating both the technology and business model. With that milestone achieved, the project is advancing into final design and engineering for a the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel facility in Fort Frances, Ontario.

This first-of-a-kind biorefinery will:

• Produce SAF and Renewable Diesel using woody biomass.
• Create 84 direct and indirect jobs while supporting Canada's forestry sector.
• Provide long-term economic opportunities for the ten First Nation communities that collectively own 80% of WBCEC.
• Deliver net-zero carbon intensity fuels that align with Canada's low-carbon mandates.
• Improve forest management by reducing fire risk and creating value from residual wood fiber left after harvesting.

The Fort Frances-based project is expected to be commissioned in 2028 and will position Northern Ontario as a leader in climate solutions and low-carbon intensity renewable fuel production.

Highbury's Chief Executive Officer, Len Bykowski, commented, "This game-changing partnership combines Highbury Energy Inc. and EFT's cutting-edge technologies with the strength of ten First Nation communities—backed by all levels of government."