The Canadian government recently awarded more than $4 million to two projects that aim to create value from forest products. One project focuses on the production of renewable natural gas (RNG), while the other aims to improve the competitiveness of Indigenous businesses in the forestry sector.

The University of British Columbia will receive $2.38 million to support research and testing of clean technologies that generate RNG from forest residues. Information released by Western Economic Diversification Canada said the project will use clean technology to produce affordable fuel that can be used to power pulp mills or sold to export markets. The project is expected to create 358 jobs as mills adopt innovative RNG technology. Information released by the government indicates UBC anticipates the forestry sector will benefit from $84 million in additional revenue as pump mills retrofit operations to adopt RNG production.

The government has also awarded $1.65 million to FPInnovations Indigenous Forest Technical Support Program to improve the competitiveness of Indigenous businesses in the forestry sector. Funding will help Indigenous forestry companies facing technical, human or financial resources challenges to gain expertise and knowledge through practical plant visits and workshops. The project is expected to create 100 new jobs and maintain 300 existing jobs. FPInnovations anticipates that the project will attract $10 million in new capital investment for manufacturing capacity.