Convertus York: Canada’s First Biofuel Facility with Liquid CO2 Capture

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The global landscape of organic waste management is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and a growing push from businesses and municipalities to achieve net zero waste. Located in the Town of East Gwillimbury in the Regional Municipality of York, Ontario, the Convertus York Biofuel Facility is a shining example of this progress. The facility leverages innovative technologies to convert waste into reusable products like biogas and fertilizer contributing to both sustainability goals and circular economy principles.

Construction for the Convertus York Biofuel Facility officially began in October 2024, which will be the country’s first biofuel facility to integrate liquid CO2 capture technology. The facility will be able to process up to 200,000 tonnes of organic waste annually using wet anaerobic digestion, a process where organic waste is broken down in air-tight, oxygen-free conditions.  During this process, the organic material is mixed with water to create a slurry with high moisture content (typically above 85%). The slurry is then fed into large tanks, where microorganisms break down the material into biogas and digestate. The facility will then convert organic waste into up to 400,000 GJ of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) – enough to heat 5,000 homes annually. In addition, it will produce up to 169,000 tonnes of CFIA-compliant nutrient-rich fertilizer.

The impetus for building this facility stemmed from the need to create a localized solution for organic waste treatment within York Region. Currently, organic waste from the Region must travel over 1 million kilometers to be processed. The Convertus York Biofuel Facility will cut transportation distances to 40,000 kilometers, reducing the dependency on distant facilities. The shift towards local operations was not only an environmentally responsible decision but also cost-effective. The total GHG emission reduction in doing this is 15,000 tonnes annually.

At the heart of the facility’s innovation is its cutting-edge CO₂ liquefaction system. The biogas produced during the organic waste processing undergoes a three-stage membrane separation, upgrading it to RNG while simultaneously capturing the extracted CO₂. This captured CO₂ is then compressed, cooled, and stored in liquid form, providing valuable resources for industries such as greenhouse production. Capable of producing 1,700 kilograms of liquid CO₂ per hour, this system contributes to a new revenue stream while actively reducing carbon emissions.

In addition to CO₂ capture, the York Facility is equipped with a comprehensive heat recovery system that maximizes energy efficiency. By harnessing energy from the digestate and biogas processes, the facility can supply heating for its buildings and support the anaerobic digestion process itself. The integration of electric heat pumps allows for precise temperature regulation, while a connected heat distribution network provides hot water for underfloor heating and fresh air intake. This efficient system reduces the need for natural gas, saving an impressive 30,000 GJ of natural gas annually.

Effective odour management is crucial in organic waste treatment, Convertus York addresses this through a sophisticated system that combines UV-C treatment, ammonia scrubbers, activated carbon filters, and regenerative thermal oxidation. This system is coupled with a real-time environmental monitoring technology that proactively monitors odour levels so that real-time adjustments can be made to ensure the air remains clean and does not impact the surrounding area. This approach not only effectively manages odour emissions but also, reduces the facility’s environmental footprint compared to traditional biofilters.

Convertus, the owner and operator of the facility brings a proven track record to York Region, with their Surrey Biofuel Facility in British Columbia, which is recognized as North America’s largest closed-loop organic waste management facility. The success of the Surrey Biofuel Facility has been proven through prestigious awards such as the Willis Award for Innovation and the Circular Economy Award, demonstrating Convertus’ expertise in designing, building, and operating innovative facilities at scale. These successes underscore Convertus’ capability to deliver the same level of technological innovation and excellence in York Region.

Convertus has partnered with Bird Construction who will lead the construction of the facility, and GHD Engineering who brings their engineering and environmental expertise to the project. As the first facility in Canada to integrate liquid CO₂ capture technology, Convertus York exemplifies the potential of localized, closed-loop waste management solutions. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to environmental responsibility, this project sets a precedent for municipalities and regions worldwide, offering a scalable, impactful blueprint for sustainable organic waste management.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com