GRS in Québec: From Production to Strategic Integration into the Energy Mix

Gas from renewable sources (GRS) is playing an increasingly important role in discussions regarding the evolution of Québec’s energy ecosystem. This opening session provides an overview of GRS in Québec, presenting the context surrounding its development as well as the main guidelines that will foster its integration into the energy mix.

The presentation will notably address the guidelines from the Integrated Energy Resources Management Plan (IERMP) and the role that GRS can play in diversifying supplies. It will also provide an update on the steps taken toward reviewing the Regulation respecting gas from renewable sources, as well as the outlook for the evolution of the regulatory framework.

Beyond its contribution to decarbonization and its energy value, renewable natural gas (RNG) generates economic, environmental and social spinoffs that benefit local communities. Its development drives regional investment, supports employment and fosters the growth of recognized Québec expertise. In the agricultural sector, it also creates new opportunities through organic matter recovery and digestate production.

This session will explore how RNG can act as a lever for sustainable prosperity, creating value well beyond the energy it produces.

In Québec, recovering biogas from landfills represents a significant opportunity to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) locally while reducing methane emissions. Beyond simply replacing fossil natural gas, RNG must find its rightful place within the renewable energy mix and be considered alongside other renewable energy sources, based on specific applications, available resources, and decarbonization needs.

This presentation will share practical experience from the development of landfill gas-to-RNG projects, highlighting Waga Energy’s integrated business model. This model is based on a comprehensive approach covering the entire project lifecycle, from resource assessment and project development to financing, construction, and long-term operation of RNG production facilities.

This integrated approach makes it possible to address technical, economic, and operational challenges from the earliest stages of a project, including changes in landfill gas flow and composition, technology selection, integration with existing infrastructure, grid interconnection, plant performance, and long-term investment requirements.

Through concrete projects and lessons learned in the field, the presentation will illustrate how combining the roles of developer, investor, and operator can support high-performing and sustainable projects. It will also explore the strategic role of RNG in Québec’s energy transition and the importance of assessing each renewable energy source based on its specific strengths and contribution to a diversified, resilient, and decarbonized energy mix.

Agricultural biomethanation stands at the intersection of several key societal issues: waste recovery, decarbonization of the energy mix and GHG emission reduction in both the agricultural and energy sectors.

Agricultural biomethanation projects address these various challenges while being short-loop, locally rooted initiatives that offer great resilience. Local organic waste is processed to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) on the one hand, and high-quality agricultural fertilizer on the other, reducing farmers’ dependency on the volatile synthetic fertilizer market.

Keridis BioEnergy develops, invests in and operates several agricultural biomethanation projects in Québec. We will take this opportunity to share with you the successes and challenges of this sector through our concrete achievements.