Gaz Métro, a Quebec-headquartered natural gas distribution company has been conducting a demonstration project aimed at converting forestry biomass into second-generation renewable natural gas in the past year. The trials, carried out in collaboration with the British Columbia firm G4 Insights at the Natural Gas Technologies Centre in Boucherville, British Columbia used a thermochemical process called PyroCatalytic Hydrogenation (PCH) to transform wood chips from Québec into renewable natural gas. The process is now ready to be tested in a larger pilot project that will produce greater volumes.
"With this small-scale project, we proved that PCH is technologically viable. It is now essential that we press ahead with our efforts, so as to determine how we can improve the process even further and increase its production potential. Our goal is to use forestry biomass and produce a 'green' energy supply of Québec-sourced and renewable natural gas. This natural gas, over the coming years, could be used locally or injected into our network to supplement the renewable natural gas being generated by the biomethanization projects of Québec municipalities that have opted to transform organic waste into energy," declares Martin Imbleau, vice president of development and renewable energies at Gaz Métro.
Energy innovation: a priority
Gaz Métro says it is constantly thinking of innovative ways to supply its customers and contribute to Québec's sustainable economic development. Accordingly, it places particular importance on energy innovation, by developing or adopting new approaches and new, more powerful technologies, and by creating renewable energy projects that will make it possible to significantly reduce GHG emissions in Québec.
"Our project on renewable natural gas from forest biomass is well aligned with the spirit of Québec's 2030 Energy Policy. It's one more tangible example of our determination to leverage our expertise and leadership for the sake of energy innovation and transition," concludes Imbleau.
