- In 2019, Quebec became the first Canadian province to mandate the inclusion of renewable natural gas (“RNG”) in natural gas distribution; other provinces have followed suit
- EverGen Infrastructure as a renewable energy leader in Canada, specializing in RNG with operations in B.C., Alberta, and Ontario
- EverGen has agreements with provincial governments and businesses to bat for organic feedstock and supply agreements with major Canadian utilities, including FortisBC, to include RNG in their pipelines
Renewable energy forms a cornerstone of environmental sustainability, with nations worldwide realizing the immense potential of harnessing naturally occurring energy sources. One such pivotal renewable source is biogas, produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste, and wastewater from treatment facilities. Biogas is further processed into RNG (renewable natural gas), a carbon-negative product that is essentially indistinguishable from conventional natural gas collected from drilled wells. Canada is fast becoming a global leader in this arena, as is EverGen Infrastructure (TSX.V: EVGN) (OTCQX: EVGIF), capitalizing on its unique attributes and comprehensive sustainability strategies that outshine many of its international counterparts.
A key advantage of Canada’s biogas push compared to other countries is its vastness and diverse landscapes. In 2019, Quebec became the first province to mandate the inclusion of RNG in natural gas distribution. According to Canada Energy Regulator,18 new RNG projects built after 2021 will increase Canada’s RNG capacity from 7.2 petajoules (“PJ”) in 2021 to 17.1 PJ in 2025. With expansive agricultural lands and numerous livestock operations, the country possesses an abundant and continuous supply of raw materials needed for biogas production. Notably, agricultural waste, a primary input, is available in substantial quantities, thereby creating a mutually beneficial relationship between agriculture and renewable energy sectors.
Secondly, the Canadian government’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability plays a significant role. Their strategies towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are comprehensive, clear, and measurable. It includes generous incentives for renewable energy investments and stringent regulations against carbon-intensive operations. This robust policy framework makes Canada an attractive destination for green tech investments and an incubator for biogas technologies.
A considerable advantage Canada has is its technological leadership in renewable energy. EverGen stands out at the forefront of renewable energy R&D, innovating and investing in RNG projects across the country to play an important role in production, storage, and distribution of RNG efficiently.
The British Columbia-based company has partnerships with jurisdictions and businesses for feedstock and output supply agreements with some of the nation’s biggest utilities, including FortisBC. FortisBC is a pioneer itself as a significant contributor to the province’s emissions reduction targets. The utility has a goal to have about 75 percent of the gas in its system being RNG or low carbon by 2050. Approached 12,000 homes and business in British Columbia are already using RNG, part of which is produced by EverGen from local organic waste.
This dovetails with the CleanBC strategy pursuant to which British Columbia is committed to a minimum requirement of 15% renewable content in the natural gas stream by 2030.
EverGen has three operations in B.C. Its Fraser Valley Biogas is an anaerobic digestion facility that utilizes local agriculture and commercial food processing waste to generate RNG and renewable fertilizer. Liquid and solid digestate matter is a byproduct of RNG production and is used as fertilizer and in other applications. Pacific Coast Renewables is an organics facility processing blended feedstock from agricultural, municipal, and commercial organic waste. Sea to Sky Soils is also an operational organics processing facility, more specifically a compost facility (feedstock from municipal and agricultural waste) operated in partnership with Lil’wat First Nation.
EverGen also has a 67% ownership of GrowTEC, an operational RNG facility in Alberta, and a 50% ownership in Project Radius in Ontario, an ambitious operating farm-scale anaerobic digester converting biodegradable waste into biogas.
Canada’s communal consciousness regarding sustainability and clean energy consumption makes it an optimal testing ground for renewable energy solutions. The country boasts one of the highest levels of education globally, with its citizens exhibiting a deep understanding and respect for the environment. This cultural attitude encourages widespread adoption of sustainable practices, creating a market for renewable energy technologies like biogas.
This harmonious blend of natural resources, proactive government policies, technological leadership, and communal consciousness has placed Canada at the forefront of the global biogas revolution. When contrasted with other countries, many lack either the necessary resources or the institutional support. For instance, while countries like Nigeria and Venezuela have enormous untapped natural resources, they lag behind due to inadequate regulatory support and sociopolitical instabilities. Countries like Singapore and the Netherlands possess strong institutional support and public awareness, but face constraints due to their limited land area and resources.
Canada’s sustainability push, particularly its focus on biogas, represents a commendable model for other countries. Its extensive natural resources, coupled with strategic government policies, leading-edge research, and a strong cultural emphasis on sustainability, have positioned Canada as a global leader in this arena. Its success in biogas utilization underscores the importance of a cohesive and well-rounded approach to sustainable development, providing valuable lessons for countries striving to make their economies greener and more sustainable.
For more information about EverGen Infrastructure, “Canada’s RNG Infrastructure Platform,” visit the company’s website at www.EverGenInfra.com.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to EVGIF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/EVGIF
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