On May 8, 2025, Alder Renewables and Bioénergie AE Côte-Nord announced the launch of Project Avance, a strategic collaboration to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from sawmill residues in the city of Port-Cartier, Québec. This project marks one of the first large-scale initiatives in North America to convert biomass feedstocks into SAF.
The project is based on Alder Renewables’ proprietary technology to convert bio-oil currently produced at the Bioénergie AECN facility in Port-Cartier. This plant is a joint venture between sawmill operator Arbec Forest Products and integrated forestry management group Groupe Rémabec. The innovative process will transform certified sustainable forest residues into renewable crude oil, known as Alder Renewable Crude (ARC), which will then be refined into SAF and other low-carbon transportation fuels. Production is expected to begin in 2027.
Development of a sustainable local supply chain
Serge Mercier, President of Bioénergie AECN, stated that this partnership represents a significant step forward for Arbec Forest Products and Groupe Rémabec in their vision to transform the forestry industry. “Project Avance will bring a new dimension to our facilities, and the technology we are implementing with Alder Renewables has the potential for commercial deployment across Québec’s forest regions,” he said. The project is expected to create well-paid jobs and support the energy transition of the aviation sector, one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise.
Government support for an ambitious energy transition
Project Avance aligns with the commitments of Canada and Québec to develop clean energy solutions derived from forest residues. It also supports Canada’s Aviation Action Plan, which targets 1 billion litres of SAF by 2030. This initiative complements regional efforts to integrate sustainable technologies into the forestry industry while generating new revenue streams for a key sector of the local economy.
