NGIF funding supports CHAR facility in production of renewable natural gas

CHAR Technologies Ltd. has upgraded its operational high temperature pyrolysis facility, enabling it to to produce about 20,000 GJ/yr of renewable natural gas (RNG).

The upgrades were supported by a $300,000 grant from NGIF (Natural Gas Innovation Fund) Industry Grants, a division of NGIF Capital Corporation. The funding will be partially disbursed at the beginning of the engineering design, fabrication and commissioning, and validation milestones. CHAR anticipates the project will get underway in March 2022.

“NGIF was one of CHAR’s early supporters, and we are pleased to receive their support and continue our productive relationship,” Andrew White, CHAR CEO, said. “The projects are vetted and supported by ATCO Pipelines, Enbridge Gas Inc., FortisBC, Pacific Northern Gas Ltd., and SaskEnergy, allowing these utilities to see and validate CHAR’s high temperature pyrolysis to RNG process.”

John Adams, NGIF Capital Corporation president and CEO and NGIF Cleantech Ventures managing partner, said he has known White since CHAR was a newly formed spin-out from the University of Toronto.

“I have seen continued growth in both his leadership and the organization and now am very excited to see RNG being produced at CHAR’s high temperature pyrolysis facility,” Adams said. “NGIF identifies and invests in opportunities that accelerate the clean technologies required to drive environmental performance in natural gas while also offering industry validation.”

Timothy M. Egan, president and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and chair, NGIF Capital Corporation, which operates NGIF industry grants, said CHAR Technologies was one of the first start-ups to be supported by the fund.

“Their technology to support RNG development is the type of innovation we continue to advance in the natural gas industry,” he said. “Renewable gas development is an important pathway to drive meaningful emissions reductions, while still supporting the customers’ need for reliable and affordable energy.”

CHAR is a cleantech development and services company, specializing in high temperature pyrolysis, converting woody materials and organic waste into renewable gases (renewable natural gas and green hydrogen) and biocarbon (activated charcoal “SulfaCHAR” and solid biofuel “CleanFyre”). Additional services include custom equipment for industrial water treatment, and providing services in environmental compliance, environmental management, site investigation and remediation, engineering and resource efficiency.