Convertus Group and Énergère, an energy services company (ESCo) in Quebec for more than 25 years, will design, build, finance, and operate an organic waste processing facility in Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, Quebec, under a 20-year operating contract.
The organic waste processing facility is scheduled to receive its first waste in 2026 and will address the increasing environmental challenges associated with organic waste disposal in the Mauricie region in Quebec. By employing technologies and sustainable practices, Convertus will play an ideal role in promoting a circular economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the Mauricie Region's thirty-seven municipalities.
By combining Convertus' experience in organic waste facility design and operations with Énergère's knowledge in design and building projects and energy retrofits, the partnership will ensure the delivery and ongoing operations of this facility.
"We are excited to contribute to the sustainability goals of Mauricie region's communities by providing an innovative organic waste management solution," said Michael Leopold, CEO of Convertus Group. "Our full-service approach to designing, constructing and operating new organic waste processing facilities across North America ensures maximum resource recovery while minimizing environmental impact."
"Each step in reducing greenhouse gases is a victory for our planet. It is with great pride that we are committed, in symbiosis with our partners, to continuing this mission and wish to become, through projects such as St-Étienne des Grès biomethanization plant, an inspiration for future initiatives," says Mario Geoffrey, director of biomethanization at Énergère.
The facility will employ advanced anaerobic digestion and in-vessel composting technology to efficiently convert up to 35,000 tonnes of organic waste annually into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer and compost. Through this process, biogas will be produced, which can be used as a source of renewable energy to power the local community.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the organic waste processing facility will bring economic growth to the region. The project will create numerous job opportunities during the construction phase and offer long-term, local employment once the facility is operational.
