CHAR Technologies and Québec Partner to Advance Green Hydrogen and Biocarbon Production

In a major step forward for sustainable energy, CHAR Technologies has announced $2.5 million in funding from the Government of Québec.

This grant, provided through the Programme Innovation Bois, will support CHAR Tech’s cutting-edge project in Saint-Félicien.

The initiative aims to convert wood waste into biocarbon and green hydrogen, contributing to the decarbonization of heavy industry and energy production.

“This $2.5M contribution will accelerate our efforts toward the collaboration of our technology with the CVB at the SCSF facility in Saint-Félicien,” said Andrew White, CEO of CHAR Tech. “Together, we are driving innovation that contributes to a cleaner, greener future.”

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Leveraging Innovation in Biomass and Green Energy

The Saint-Félicien project will employ CHAR Tech’s high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) technology to transform unmerchantable wood and organic waste into renewable energy.

This process produces two key outputs: green hydrogen, which can be upgraded into renewable natural gas, and biocarbon, which replaces metallurgical coal in industrial applications.

Additionally, a $1 million grant was awarded to the Société de cogénération de Saint-Félicien (SCSF) to enhance biomass preprocessing capabilities at the site.

“Converting waste into renewable resources ensures economic and environmental benefits, showcasing the role of innovative technology in Québec's clean energy transition,” said the Québec Ministry of Natural Resources.

Collaboration with Société de cogénération de Saint-Félicien

SCSF, owned by Green Leaf Power, operates a 25 MW cogeneration facility in Saint-Félicien.

This plant processes 260,000 metric tonnes of wood waste annually, converting it into renewable energy for Hydro-Québec and industrial steam for local use.

The CHAR Tech project will integrate with this existing infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and scaling up waste-to-energy processes.

The biomass valorization center (CVB) at the SCSF facility will use a waste heat recovery dryer to prepare biomass for the CHAR Tech system.

By sharing resources and infrastructure, the partnership maximizes both environmental and economic outcomes.

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Québec's Commitment to Sustainable Development

Québec’s Programme Innovation Bois has supported groundbreaking projects like CHAR Tech’s, generating significant investments and job growth across the province.

“With these investments, our government demonstrates its commitment to innovative projects that revitalize the forestry sector,” said Mme. Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Québec Minister of Natural Resources and Forests.

Since its launch in 2016, the program has driven over $1.35 billion in total investments, created 1,300 new jobs, and supported more than 14,000 existing positions.

Initiatives like CHAR Tech’s highlight Québec’s leadership in sustainability and green technology.

The Promise of CHAR Tech's Pyrolysis Technology

CHAR Tech’s proprietary HTP technology offers a transformative solution for waste management and clean energy production.

By converting organic waste into valuable byproducts, CHAR addresses two pressing challenges: reducing landfill waste and decarbonizing industrial energy sources.

The biocarbon produced serves as a carbon-neutral alternative to metallurgical coal, while the green hydrogen generated can fuel various renewable energy applications.

This dual output aligns with global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions targets.

“Our technology provides a practical waste-to-energy solution, meeting the needs of industry while reducing environmental impact,” noted Andrew White.

The integration of CHAR Tech’s systems with existing facilities like SCSF exemplifies scalable, sustainable energy practices.

Québec’s Role in Driving Green Innovation

Québec’s financial and policy support plays a crucial role in accelerating projects like the Saint-Félicien initiative.

By fostering collaborations between private companies and public resources, the province positions itself as a leader in renewable energy and industrial decarbonization.

The combined efforts of CHAR Tech, SCSF, and the Québec government showcase how partnerships can address global climate challenges.

This project not only advances clean energy but also serves as a model for integrating waste-to-energy systems into existing industrial frameworks.

Looking Ahead

With this significant funding boost, CHAR Tech is poised to scale its operations and explore new opportunities in green energy markets.

The Saint-Félicien project marks a milestone in sustainable innovation, providing a blueprint for similar ventures worldwide.

By transforming waste into renewable resources, CHAR Technologies and its partners demonstrate the power of technology to drive environmental and economic progress.

As Andrew White emphasized, “This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and sustainability come together.”

Learn more about CHAR Technologies at chartechnologies.com.