Char Tech develops pyrolysis to fuels sites; RNG news from Waga, Neogenyx

Char Technologies Ltd., based in Ontario, is advancing its high-temperature pyrolysis technology across multiple sites in the U.S. and Canada. This process transforms woody biomass and biosolids into biogas and solid fuels, offering a sustainable alternative to metallurgical coal for steelmakers.

Initially, Char Technologies developed a method to convert anaerobic digestate into activated carbon for biogas purification. However, collaboration with ArcelorMittal led to a focus on producing biocarbon to replace metallurgical coal. The company's new facility processes woody biomass through pyrolysis, yielding 20% solids for biocarbon and 78% volatile matter and gas, which can be upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG).

CEO Andrew White emphasized the importance of creating revenue streams from the volatile components of the feedstock. Char Technologies is also exploring biochar production, although the biocarbon market is more straightforward due to the demand from steelmakers.

In partnership with Synagro and the City of Baltimore, Char Technologies is developing a facility to convert biosolids into biochar, effectively removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Their pilot site has shown substantial PFAS elimination in the produced biochar.

Char Technologies' first commercial-scale plant is set to begin operations in Thorold, Ontario, with additional facilities planned in Saint-Félicien, Québec, and Hurket, Ontario. These sites will produce both biocarbon and RNG. The company is also considering licensing its biosolids processing technology in the United States.

In related biogas industry news, several companies reported improved financial metrics in the second quarter. Anaergia Inc. saw revenue rise to $63.9 million, while Montauk Renewables Inc. reported a 19.7% revenue increase. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. also experienced a 3.7% revenue increase, selling 63.2 million gallons of RNG.

Neogenyx Fuels, a spin-off from Ameresco Inc., broke ground on an anaerobic digestion facility in Nebraska, aiming to produce 1.2 million mmBtus of RNG annually. Waga Energy SA commissioned a new landfill-gas-to-RNG plant in Indiana, expected to produce 203,000 mmBtus of RNG per year.

These developments reflect ongoing growth and innovation in the biogas sector, with companies expanding their capabilities and market reach.