CHAR Tech welcomes Québec's $87 billion energy plan supporting biomass to renewable

The Government of Québec has introduced its Integrated Energy Resources Management Plan (PGIRE), which outlines an $87 billion investment in renewable energy over the next 25 years. A key focus of the PGIRE is the expansion of forest bioenergy, including renewable natural gas (RNG) and biocarbon derived from forestry residuals.

CHAR Technologies Ltd. (CHAR Tech), a Canadian clean-technology company, aligns its strategy with the PGIRE's objectives. The company produces RNG and biocarbon from forestry residuals and is developing a network of high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) facilities in Québec. These facilities will convert local forestry residuals into RNG and biochar, with the latter being pelletized into biocarbon at CHAR Tech's Saguenay facility under a secured offtake agreement with Elkem ASA.

The PGIRE identifies RNG as the only scalable renewable gas for Québec's existing pipeline network, while biocarbon is highlighted as essential for decarbonizing heavy industries. CHAR Tech's Québec facilities are expected to produce at least 750,000 GJ/yr of RNG and 15,000 tonnes/yr of biocarbon.

Andrew White, CEO of CHAR Tech, expressed support for the PGIRE, noting its alignment with the company's plans in Québec. The plan, developed with Hydro-Québec and natural gas distributors, provides a framework for energy management in the province until 2050, addressing economic, climate, and social objectives.

CHAR Tech is also advancing its HTP platform to address the destruction of PFAS in wastewater biosolids, converting them into energy and low-carbon solid products.