Canadian biomass energy firm CHAR Technologies has welcomed the Québec government's new integrated energy plan, which earmarks an estimated $87 billion (€75 billion) of investment in renewable energy over the next 25 years — with forest bioenergy singled out as a sector requiring new capacity.
The Plan de gestion intégrée des ressources énergétiques (PGIRE) 2026-2050, tabled on 30 June, sets out the province's roadmap for increasing renewable energy consumption through to mid-century, naming bioenergy, electricity, hydrogen and carbon capture as priority investment areas. Developed in collaboration with Hydro-Québec and the province's natural gas distributors, the plan establishes a common framework for energy planning to 2050.
Notably for the sector, the PGIRE identifies renewable natural gas (RNG) as the only renewable gas currently capable of scaling into Québec's existing pipeline network, citing ongoing technical constraints around hydrogen. It also positions solid bioenergy, including biocarbon, as central to decarbonising heavy industries where coal has proved difficult to displace.
Both recommendations play directly to CHAR Tech's business. The Toronto-headquartered company produces RNG and biocarbon from forestry residuals, and is developing a modular network of high-temperature pyrolysis facilities across Québec that will convert regional forestry residues into RNG and biochar on-site. Biochar will be sent to its Saguenay facility for pelletising into biocarbon, under a secured offtake agreement with ferrosilicon producer Elkem covering 62,500 tonnes over five years.
The company projects combined output from the Québec network of at least 750,000 GJ of RNG and 15,000 tonnes of biocarbon annually.
"We're really supportive of the PGIRE and look forward to seeing it pass into reality," said Andrew White, CEO of CHAR Tech. "The plan aligns with exactly what we're building in Québec, anchored by our recently acquired facility in Saguenay, with more investment on the horizon."
CHAR Tech backs Québec’s $87 billion renewable energy roadmap
