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Executive Summary

The siting of biorefineries requires careful consideration of numerous interconnected factors. At the core is the type of product, which dictates the feedstock, conversion processes, and scale of operations. High-volume commodity products, such as biofuels and bioenergy, necessitate economies of scale, while niche products, such as nutraceuticals, proteins, or personal care products, may be commercially viable at a smaller-scale. The certification, quality, and transportation requirements of these products further impact site selection. Establishing clear system boundaries through tools such as life cycle assessments (LCAs) and techno-economic assessments is crucial for standardized evaluation of potential biorefinery sites.

This report explores factors that influence biorefinery siting, presenting the findings from a qualitative, multi-method study that included a literature review, interviews with industry and academic experts, and case studies of existing biorefineries. This report also identifies gaps and presents recommendations for standards development related to biorefinery siting, operations, and development.

Industries that function similarly to biorefineries, such as pulp and paper mills in the forest products sector and oilseed crush plants in agribusiness, already employ well-established site selection and development methodologies. These industries have optimized their siting processes based on feedstock availability, logistics, infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and community engagement.

Facility scale is a key factor in biorefinery siting. In Canada, large-scale operations, defined here as those with a feedstock input exceeding 500 kilotonnes per year, typically require extensive infrastructure and robust supply chains. These projects often benefit from brownfield sites, leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize environmental impact. Conversely, small and medium-sized facilities integrate more easily into communities, offering flexibility and reduced footprints.

Biomass availability, categorized as primary or secondary, is another critical factor, requiring standardized inventory methods to assess seasonal variations and ensure supply reliability. Secondary feedstocks present opportunities for environmental advantages but often require proximity to specialized pre-treatment technologies.

Transportation networks are vital for ensuring efficient biomass delivery, emphasizing the need for geographic information system (GIS) tools and standards such as CSA W209, Biomass supply chain risk, to optimize supply chain resilience. Residual biomass transportation poses unique logistical challenges, often limiting the siting radius and requiring advanced technological solutions.

Infrastructure requirements vary by product and feedstock characteristics, with brownfield sites and co-location with research institutions providing significant advantages in cost and innovation potential.

Workforce availability and skill levels are equally important, particularly for greenfield operations requiring advanced expertise. Proximity to educational institutions and vocational training centres supports workforce development and fosters innovation.

Community impacts, including job creation and social acceptance, significantly influence biorefinery viability. Partnerships with Indigenous communities and transparent sustainability reporting aligned with established and emerging standards further enhance community confidence and support.

Environmental considerations, such as land use, water availability, and biodiversity, demand thorough assessment using standardized methods. Brownfield sites often offer superior environmental performance due to reduced land use impacts.

Regulatory frameworks at federal, provincial, and local levels shape the feasibility of biorefineries, with harmonized regulations and emerging standards mitigating economic risks. The Canadian Council of Forest Minister’s Renewed Forest Bioeconomy Framework [1] and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan [2] highlight the role of the bioeconomy in achieving emissions reduction goals.

Finally, financial viability remains a cornerstone of site selection. Cost variability necessitates financial evaluation methodologies to enhance investment decision-making. Government incentives, green bonds, and risk mitigation tools play a key role in de-risking projects and attracting private capital. While structured methods for evaluating siting factors can provide valuable guidance, any approach must remain flexible to accommodate commercial realities and industry best practices. By integrating established methodologies from related industries, the biorefinery sector can balance standardization with the practical needs of market-driven development.