Tri J Industries one of 20 farms and agribusinesses across province to receive grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

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Published on Thursday, February 27, 2014

myWestman.ca

As part of the province's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 20 farms and agribusinesses across the province are receiving more than $444,000 in grants to switch from coal to biomass heating systems.

"Manitoba's plan to increase biomass energy is creating good, green jobs in rural Manitoba and adding value for Manitoba farmers," said Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn in a release.  "We are reducing our carbon footprint while supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of many rural businesses."

These projects are estimated to reduce the amount of coal used by more than 4,500 tonnes every year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 7,000 tonnes as a result.  The amount of biomass available for use is expected to increase by 7,600 tonnes annually as a result of the funded projects, the minister said.

Successful projects received up to half the cost of capital or infrastructure upgrades to a maximum of $50,000 through the Manitoba Biomass Energy Support Program.  Sixteen grants will help farms convert from coal to renewable biomass energy.  The other four recipients are processors who will use the funding to improve capacity and efficiency in their businesses.  

Tri J Industries, a sawmill near the town of Riding Mountain, received more than $32,000 to purchase processing equipment that will support its expansion into woodchip biomass.

"The demand for woodchip biomass is growing and this grant will help our company grow along with it," said John Janzen, a partner in Tri J Industries.  "We have always sold firewood in our business, but now we will also be able to produce woodchips to sell to the local market and diversify our company."

Manitoba has committed to use coal and petroleum coke (petcoke) tax revenues to help coal users convert to biomass.  The province implemented North America's first coal heating ban on Jan. 1.  If an approved conversion plan is submitted by June 30, a grace period to comply will extend to July 1, 2017.

Manitoba news release