Convertus finalizes permits for Ontario AD facility

Canadian organics diversion and processing firm Convertus Group reportedly has received all necessary approvals and permits to start building its new anaerobic digestion (AD) and biofuels facility in the York Region of Ontario.

The company, which has operations in Canada and the United States, says the series of approvals marks a major step forward for "one of Canada’s most exciting green energy projects."

The facility is on track to begin operating in 2027.

“Finalizing all the permit requirements is a major achievement that allows us to move from planning to construction,” says Arun Gudla, vice president at Convertus who is overseeing the development of the York project.

Gudla says the approvals are the result of collaboration with local and provincial authorities. The York Region is north of Toronto and has a population of about 1.1 million people, according to a 2021 census.

"[The collection of approvals] will ensure we remain on course to deliver a facility that embodies Convertus’ mission to close the loop for a more sustainable and circular approach to waste management,” Gudla says.

Convertus says its York plant will be the first biofuel plant in Canada to incorporate integrated CO₂ liquefaction technology, noting the facility will be able to process up to 200,000 tons of organic waste annually generated in York and surrounding areas.

“Once complete, the Convertus York Biofuel Facility will help eliminate the transportation of organic waste to distant locations, resulting in an estimated 15,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions avoided each year,” the company says, adding that all inbound materials received will be converted into either renewable natural gas (RNG) or nutrient-rich organic fertilizers.

At capacity, the plant could generate between 350,000 to 400,000 gigajoules (GJ) of RNG per year. Convertus says the energy will be injected directly into the local gas grid, helping reduce the use of fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

“With permitting completed, Convertus now shifts its focus to the next phase, constructing a facility that will set a new benchmark for sustainable organic waste management and clean energy production in Canada,” the company says.