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Wildfire Risk Reduction via Biomass Harvesting
Opportunity Statement
Dexterra is seeking scalable, rugged, and value-generating biomass harvesting technologies that can reduce wildfire risk in remote and forested regions. The company is especially interested in systems that support fuel load reduction while converting collected biomass into usable energy, such as heat or power.
Context
Dexterra has a large forestry division and is establishing a new emergency response unit. Considering Canada’s increasing wildfire risks and associated costs, Dexterra is exploring proactive approaches to mitigate wildfire spread—particularly in areas where they operate remote hospitality and forestry services. The goal is to reduce forest floor biomass (fuel load) using efficient, safe, and economically viable methods. Ideally, these solutions would not only harvest excess biomass but also convert it into value-added outputs such as syngas, heat, or biofuels that could be used in district energy systems. Dexterra is especially interested in piloting technologies that integrate with current forestry operations and align with government funding priorities around wildfire prevention and clean energy development.
Response Criteria
· In Scope:
o Biomass harvesting systems designed for wildfire fuel load reduction
o Gasification or other conversion technologies that produce heat, electricity, or fuels
o Mobile or modular solutions that can operate in rugged, remote northern environments
o Technologies suitable for integration into existing forestry equipment or operations
o Systems that can support partnerships with government or Indigenous communities
· Out of Scope:
o Solutions requiring urban infrastructure or grid connectivity
o Harvesting equipment unsuited to rough terrain or cold climates
o Technologies without a clear value recovery component (e.g., collection only with no energy recovery)
The Opportunity
Dexterra is well-positioned to pilot biomass harvesting and conversion systems across its forestry operations. With growing interest from Indigenous and municipal clients in wildfire mitigation, and increasing government investment in fire prevention and clean energy, there is strong potential for scale and funding support. EU SMEs with solutions that reduce forest fire risk while creating energy or materials from forest biomass can access a market in urgent need of innovation.
About Dexterra
Dexterra Group is a Canadian company that provides operations, maintenance, and support services to a diverse range of clients in sectors such as remote hospitality, facilities management, infrastructure, and forestry. With roots dating back over 75 years, Dexterra brings together strong regional expertise and national capabilities to help clients manage and operate infrastructure more efficiently. Its subsidiaries – including Horizon North, Outland, and Dana Hospitality – offer integrated services in workforce accommodations, energy services, forestry operations, and food services. Driven by a values-based culture of accountability, diversity, trust, and partnership, Dexterra is committed to helping clients improve performance and reduce environmental impact.