FortisBC looking to boost province’s biomethane supplies
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Seeking expressions of interest for additional supply of as much as one million gigagjoules of biogas
SURREY, B.C.—Utility provider FortisBC is looking to boost the amount of biogas available in British Columbia in a big way, calling for applicants interested in supplying its renewable natural gas program.
According to the company, it is seeking expressions of interest from suppliers for an additional supply of as much as one million gigagjoules of biomethane—or enough natural gas to provide heat and hot water for approximately 10,000 B.C. homes annually.
“Demand from our renewable natural gas customers has resulted in the need for further biogas supply in our system,” FortisBC vice-president of energy solutions Doug Stout said in a statement.
“Our focus is to help put waste to good use by working with suppliers to develop this energy source for our customers.”
Biogas is created when bacteria break down organic waste from sources like landfill sites, agriculture waste and wastewater from treatment facilities.
It is then captured, purified and injected into the local natural gas system.
The company is seeking submissions from wastewater treatment plants, landfills, farms and agricultural businesses and food and beverage processors.
FortisBC said it is also accepting applications from entrepreneurs who can facilitate biogas production from organic material sources, including from the aforementioned businesses.
A pair of projects are already supplying biomethane to FortisBC’s system, with five others currently under development or construction.
Currently under development are Seabreeze Farm and Earth Renu Energy in Delta, B.C.; Dicklands Farms in Chilliwack, B.C.; and the Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in Richmond, B.C.
The Glenmore Landfill in Kelowna, B.C., is expected to begin supplying natural gas this year following the completion of construction.
Combined with the Fraser Valley Biogas project in Abbotsford, B.C., and the Salmon Arm Landfill, the projects will pump about 500,000 gigagjoules of biogas into the FortisBC system.
Those interested in supplying biomethane are invited to submit an expression of interest application by May 30.
To find out more, log on to the FortisBC website.
