NGIF Accelerator provides $300,000 to G4 Insights for development of RNG technology

NGIF Accelerator and its Industry Grants program have announced a grant of $300,000 to G4 Insights Inc. (G4) for advancing the development and commercialization of their proprietary PyroCatalytic Hydrogenation (PCH) technology. G4’s PCH technology converts forestry and agricultural crop waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) with an 80% lower carbon intensity than conventional natural gas.

G4’s PCH technology enables cost-effective, large-scale RNG generation from lignocellulosic biomass (commonly referred to as plant dry matter), allowing distribution in forestry zones and delivery to consumers using existing natural gas pipelines. The G4 RNG is compatible with all unmodified natural gas devices, including appliances, cars, industrial operations, and power generators.

The project’s goal is to validate the design for scaling up the PCH reactor for a commercial RNG plant. It will include the detailed design, construction, and testing of a PCH reactor that can process one tonne of biomass per day. The $920,000 project, co-funded with G4 and the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), has seen significant progress in gas conditioning module building, test protocol development, and the successful reception of a major heat exchanger vessel.

The results will be utilized in the design of a 450 GJ/day commercial RNG plant, with plans for a subsequent deployment of a larger 10,000 GJ/day RNG plant.

“We are excited to continue to support G4’s PCH reactor scale-up validation project. This is our second project with the team, and through NGIF funding, they have been able to derisk their technology. The project will play a key role in the advancement of RNG technology,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator and Managing Partner of NGIF Cleantech Ventures. “Our Industry Grants program and its focus on de-risking clean technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and technology commercialization.”

“G4 is grateful for the continued support from NGIF Accelerator’s Industry Grants program. NGIF’s leadership and vision for a lower-carbon future align with G4’s mission to leverage Canada’s robust forestry and energy sectors to advance renewable natural gas technology. This project is a critical step towards commercial deployment of G4 biorefineries,” said Edson Ng, Principal, G4 Insights Inc.

“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable, clean energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support cleantech development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support technologies like G4’s PCH reactor,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.

The $300,000 funding was announced on March 7, 2024.