Convertus Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Biofuel Facility in York Region

Convertus, in partnership with key stakeholders, has officially broken ground on Ontario’s first large-scale biofuel facility, which will incorporate liquid CO2 capture technology. Located in East Gwillimbury in York Region, this innovative project is set to transform organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting sustainable energy for one of Canada’s rapidly growing regions. The facility is designed to align with Convertus' mission to close the waste loop by converting organic waste into valuable resources, demonstrating a sustainable and circular approach to waste management.

Scheduled to be operational by 2027, the facility will utilize advanced anaerobic digestion technology to process food scraps and organic materials into biogas. This biogas will be upgraded to RNG and injected into local pipelines, providing clean energy to homes and businesses, replacing fossil fuels. This pioneering technology further solidifies York Region’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship and renewable waste management.

Occupying a 12-acre site adjacent to York Region’s Materials Recovery and Transfer Facility, the biofuel plant will process up to 165,000 tonnes of organic waste annually in its first phase, with the potential to scale up to 200,000 tonnes. The facility will not only meet the region's current waste processing needs but will also ensure sustainable waste management through 2047. In terms of energy production, the facility is expected to generate between 250,000 and 350,000 gigajoules of RNG annually—enough to heat approximately 5,000 homes—and will produce around 165,000 tonnes of fertilizer for local agriculture.

The environmental impact of this project is significant, providing benefits in multiple areas:

• Reduced transportation emissions: By processing waste locally, the facility will prevent 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions previously associated with transporting waste over long distances.

• Renewable energy production: The RNG produced will replace traditional fossil fuels, reducing 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Additionally, the facility will capture biogenic liquid CO2, further offsetting emissions.

• Landfill diversion: The project will divert organic waste from landfills, preventing an additional 70,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

Mike Leopold, CEO of Convertus, called the groundbreaking a major achievement for sustainable waste management in Ontario. York Region Chairman Wayne Emmerson highlighted the facility’s role in eliminating long-distance waste transportation and its capacity to convert curbside waste into valuable resources. Bird Construction will oversee the build, while GHD Engineering will provide its technical expertise. Both firms expressed pride in being part of this landmark project, which is expected to serve as a model for future waste management initiatives across Canada.