Gaz Métro has revealed that it has been conducting a demonstration project aimed at converting forestry biomass into second-generation renewable natural gas.
Gaz Métro, the largest natural gas distribution company in Québec, Canada has revealed that, over the past several months, it has been conducting a demonstration project aimed at converting forestry biomass into second-generation renewable natural gas.
The trials, carried out in collaboration with the British Columbia firm G4 Insights at the Natural Gas Technologies Centre in Boucherville, has enabled the duo to develop a “unique” conversion process that marks an important milestone in the development of new renewable energy technology 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, said Martin Imbleau, Vice President, Development and Renewable Energies at Gaz Métro in a statement.
PyroCatalytic Hydrogenation
Gaz Métro and G4 used a thermochemical process called PyroCatalytic Hydrogenation (PCH) to transform woodchips from Québec into renewable natural gas. The process is now ready to be tested in a larger pilot project that will produce greater volumes. The proprietary G4 process uses fast pyrolysis techniques and a catalyst to transform forest biomass thermochemically into renewable natural gas.
– 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, declared Martin Imbleau.
