Waga Energy launches biomethane unit on Vancouver Island with FortisBC

Waga Energy has commissioned a biomethane facility in British Columbia, in partnership with FortisBC and Capital Regional District, marking the first unit of its kind on Vancouver Island.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 €*

then 199 €/year

*renews at 199€/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

Waga Energy announced the commissioning of a biomethane production unit at the Hartland landfill site in British Columbia. This facility, developed in collaboration with Capital Regional District (CRD) and energy distributor FortisBC, is the first landfill gas upgrading infrastructure on Vancouver Island. The technology used, WAGABOX®, transforms gas from decomposing waste into biomethane, which is then injected into the local distribution network.

An annual capacity of 100 GWh of biomethane

The facility is designed to produce up to 100 GWh of biomethane per year, equivalent to the annual consumption of over 9,000 households, according to the company’s estimates. Over a 25-year period, the project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 475,000 tonnes. The upgraded gas is directly integrated into FortisBC’s network, the region’s main operator.

A structuring regional partnership

The Capital Regional District contributed to the implementation of the facility, leveraging an existing landfill site to integrate the new technology. The project aligns with British Columbia’s energy plans to diversify gas sources and incorporate low-carbon local solutions. The involvement of regional partners enabled a faster technical deployment of the unit.

A milestone for biomethane grid integration

FortisBC, in charge of transporting the produced biomethane, supports the development of local projects to secure its supply. The company is currently leading several similar initiatives across the province. This project with Waga Energy and CRD marks one of the first industrial applications of the WAGABOX® technology in Canada.

Barbara Desjardins, CRD Chair, stated that this project represents a concrete approach to waste management and regional energy supply. Joe Mazza, Vice President at FortisBC, highlighted the contribution of this initiative to local energy stability. Julie Flynn, Managing Director of Waga Energy Canada, noted that this deployment is a first step in using this technology in the North American market.

Mondi SCP will build a new biomass power plant in Ružomberok to boost energy self-sufficiency from 75% to 90% by 2027, with a €120mn ($129mn) investment supported by the European Union’s Modernisation Fund.
With a new EnviThan facility in Aube, EnviTec Biogas reaches 40 units in operation in France and confirms its deployment pace in the biomethane market.
Southwest Gas has submitted an agreement to the California Commission to inject biomethane produced from food and wastewater into its network, in line with SB 1440 regulatory requirements.
Quercus Real Assets and Elionia finalise a €76 mn bank financing to build three biomethane plants in Italy, with 50% of the debt guaranteed by SACE.
VINCI, through its subsidiaries, has established itself in the construction of Spain’s largest second-generation biorefinery, a €1.2bn project aimed at supplying 500,000 tonnes of sustainable fuels per year.
Ameresco commissions a biomethane facility in Lee County, processing 4,500 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute, and directly injects this renewable gas into the transmission network to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security.
A $24mn financing supports the construction of a 4.8 MW biomass plant designed to replace diesel in Opitciwan, bringing jobs and enhanced energy security for the Atikamekw community.
SUEZ and RATP Group formalise a supply contract for 100 GWh of renewable electricity per year, over a maximum period of sixteen years, powering the operations of the world’s third largest urban transport operator.
Valmet has secured a contract to supply a biomass boiler and flue gas cleaning system to Saica Group for its production site in El Burgo de Ebro, Spain, as part of its decarbonisation plan.
Qarlbo Biodiversity signed a memorandum of understanding with Woodland Biofuels for the delivery of thinned pine wood from managed forests in the United States to supply the Canadian company’s biomass operations.
The Canadian group Thermal Energy International has secured a CAD 1.4 million contract to install a heat recovery unit at a European malted barley producer, aiming to reduce energy costs and polluting emissions.
The asset takeover process of Global Bioenergies, under a pre-pack disposal procedure, has been extended until 18 July at noon, following requests from potential bidders seeking additional time to assess the French company's financial situation.
SIAAP and SUEZ have inaugurated a new biogas production unit at the Seine Aval wastewater treatment plant, the largest in Europe, as part of a modernization project to strengthen the energy sovereignty of the Paris region.
Canadian company Hydron Energy will supply its innovative INTRUPTor-Mid technology to produce renewable natural gas in Ontario, marking its first commercial order in the biomethane sector with a promise of significant cost reductions.
US President Donald Trump has ratified a law extending until the end of 2029 the tax credit on renewable natural gas production from biomass and animal manure, aiming to boost the rural economy.
Valmet secures a contract to deliver a bubbling fluidized bed biomass boiler and flue gas handling equipment to Kraftringen Energi's upcoming combined heat and power plant, aimed at strengthening energy supply in Sweden.
Elcimaï Environnement has completed a methanisation unit integrated into Laon's wastewater treatment plant, now enabling the conversion of sludge and bio-waste into biomethane injected into the local grid, meeting the annual energy needs of 1,150 households.
Infrastructure manager Teréga and GRDF inaugurated in Auch, Occitanie, the region’s first biomethane reverse-flow station, designed to facilitate biomethane transfer from the distribution to the transport network, representing an investment of €3mn ($3.27mn).
Eni has inaugurated its first vegetable oil extraction plant in Loudima, Republic of the Congo, marking the country's entry into the global biofuel supply chain for the transport industry.
The city of Toul has officially inaugurated a biomass heating plant operated by ENGIE Solutions, intended to supply heating from wood-energy to over 2,400 local homes starting from the next winter season.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: €99 for the 1styear year, then € 199/year.