The largest grant, $3.19 million, went to local wood pellet producer Pacific BioEnergy Prince George Limited Partnership. Pacific BioEnergy vice president Paul Kalil said the company has developed a system to clean rocks, dirt and other debris from forest residues left behind by conventional logging operations so that it can be used to create wood pellets. "Pacific BioEnergy has struggled for years to secure a fibre (supply)," Kalil said. "This project will allow us... to use a supply of fibre which has traditionally been burned. This is a first for Canada and, we believe, a first for North America." Using what is currently considered a waste product will provide the plant with a low-cost supply of feedstock, he said. The technology, which is expected to be operational soon, will create up to 14 new jobs in the Prince George area and provide added security for the company's future.