Local, carbon-neutral biofuel at ArcelorMittal’s pellet plant

A World First in Industrial Sustainability

This groundbreaking project is the first in the world to regularly use pyrolysis oil in industrial processes—and it also represents the largest consumption of fuel derived from forest biomass to date. As a scalable and transferable solution, it has the potential to be applied to other types of furnaces and kilns, already generating strong interest from other industrial sectors.

A Major Milestone in ArcelorMittal’s Energy Transition

The project marks the beginning of ArcelorMittal’s energy transition at its Port-Cartier facility and represents a crucial step toward transforming the plant into a greener, more sustainable operation. Following the success of the feasibility study, work is now progressing towards detailed engineering that will enable the deployment of a site-wide pyrolysis oil system.

Once fully operational, the plant will consume more than 32 million litres of pyrolysis oil annually—the full output of the BioÉnergie AE facility. This shift will reduce ArcelorMittal’s annual consumption of heavy fuel oil and coal by 23% and cut CO₂ emissions by 57,600 tonnes per year—the equivalent of removing 14,000 cars from the road.

Importantly, the project makes efficient use of existing infrastructure. Nearly all site facilities have been repurposed, and no modifications were required for the furnaces, helping extend the lifecycle of current equipment.

Sustainability and Circular Economy in Action

By harnessing two of Côte-Nord’s key natural resources—iron ore and wood—this initiative reflects a model circular economy. The use of locally sourced, carbon-neutral pyrolysis oil delivers significant environmental benefits while supporting the regional economy.

The project has directly created several dozen high-quality jobs through the reactivation of the BioÉnergie AE plant. It also provides a new, much-needed outlet for forestry professionals affected by the closure of the Baie-Comeau paper mill. The Arbec sawmill in Port-Cartier, for example, has increased its production capacity and is now operating seven days a week, no longer hindered by wood waste storage challenges.

Tangible Benefits for the Local Community

The local population is deeply engaged in and supportive of this project, recognising the long-term job creation and broader economic impact. It is expected to stimulate activity across a range of service sectors in Port-Cartier, a municipality of 6,516 residents (Statistics Canada, 2021).

There is also a strong sense of regional pride. This innovative, leading-edge initiative is putting Port-Cartier on the map as a centre of excellence in sustainable industrial practices, drawing widespread media attention across Québec.