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Lesser Slave Region, Alberta

The Lesser Slave Region, Alberta, BDO Zone for Woody Biomass is rated ‘BBB’.

Rating Issue Date: May 30, 2024.

‘BBB’ ratings indicate good prospective viability of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure and low current expectations of default risk in the Zone. Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered adequate, but adverse weather, supply chain, economic, or infrastructure conditions are more likely to impair this capacity over time.

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BDO Zone Rating

BBB

Lesser Slave Region, AB, BDO Zone Overview

Feedstock quantities are expressed in oven dry tonnes per year (odt/yr), while feedstock costs are expressed in CAD ($). Maximum transport distance is based on a 150-km driving distance from the centre point (Kinuso, AB).

BDO Zone Assets:

155,000 odt/yr of wood fibre available from existing harvesting and milling operations.
Regional forest industry exhibits strong historical performance.
Lack of competitors within 200 km of Kinuso and 125 km of Mitsue Industrial Park.
Long-term prospects for wood supply from dedicated thinning operations for wildfire prevention.

BDO Zone Liabilities:

Forest operations in many areas are restricted to a six-month season, complicating forest residue supply logistics.
Lack of pre-existing forest residue supply chain experience and equipment.
Pulp and pellet facilities in region have demonstrated ability to procure feedstock from over 300 km.
Comparatively high costs of electricity, labour, and land.

Infrastructure

The Mitsue Industrial Park:

Locates 15 km east of Slave Lake, it serves as a key regional industry hub. The potential 10-acre facility site, zoned for heavy industry, features a large multi-vehicle garage, potable and high-pressure water access, office space, and 24/7 residing capabilities. This former municipal fire department site is well-equipped for industrial use.

The park boasts abundant natural resources and essential infrastructure, including reliable water supply, three-phase power, natural gas, a dedicated fire station, and convenient rail and highway connections. The Municipal District of Lesser Slave River plans infrastructure enhancements, including asphalt overlays on access roads in 2025.

Alternative locations:

Within a 150 km radius of Kinuso encompass three Metis settlements, five First Nations lands, Big Lakes County, the MD of Lesser Slave River, and the Town of Slave Lake’s Mitsue Industrial Park.

There are 3 Metis settlements, and 5 First Nations within the radius. The potential site will be located on First Nation Lands. Indigenous involvement in the bio-energy energy is a priority to establish local employment, transfer of technology knowledge, financial stability, community economic development, inclusiveness and diversity, and environmental sustainability, which all align with Indigenous and FIND Energy’s values.

Find Energy’s President, Melissa Minks, is a Swan River Band member, which is a First Nation located in the potential area.