The RMR Lac-Saint-Jean and Waga Energy Launch a RNG Project

The RMR Lac-Saint-Jean and Waga Energy Launch a RNG Project in Hébertville-Station (Québec)

The Régie des matières résiduelles du Lac-Saint-Jean (RMR) and Waga Energy have signed an agreement to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) at the Hébertville-Station Landfill site in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region (Québec, Canada).

Waga Energy, a global expert in the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) from landfills, and the RMR, owner and operator of the Hébertville-Station landfill serving 50 municipalities in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and the Mashteuiatsh community, are partnering to launch an RNG production project.

As part of the project, Waga Energy will construct and operate a purification unit, using its patented WAGABOX® technology, to convert landfill gas into RNG, a renewable substitute for fossil-based natural gas. The facility is expected to produce up to 55 GWh of RNG per year (188, 000 MMBtu) —enough to meet the energy needs of 2,280 households. By avoiding the release of roughly 10,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually, the project will help reduce the region’s carbon footprint and advance Québec’s climate goals.

The Hébertville-Station landfill site has an annual capacity of 203,500 metric tons of waste. The decomposition of organic materials within this waste generates landfill gas, which is currently captured and flared. Once the WAGABOX® unit is operational in 2026, the gas will instead be purified and injected into Énergir’s natural gas distribution network to supply renewable energy to local residents and businesses.

The feasibility study for the project received CA$300,000 (€200,000) in funding from Québec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, under the Renewable Natural Gas Production Support Program, which is financed by the Electrification and Climate Change Fund. This special fund supports measures under the 2030 Green Economy Plan to combat climate change. Additional funding applications for the necessary investments will also be submitted under this program.

This initiative aligns with Québec’s goal, outlined in the 2030 Green Economy Plan (PEV), to integrate 10% RNG into the gas network by 2030. The collaboration between Waga Energy and the RMR represents a concrete contribution to this objective.

This is Waga Energy’s fifth biomethane project in Canada. Three units are already operational in Québec (in Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, Cowansville, and Chicoutimi), with another under construction in British Columbia.

Luc Simard, President of the RMR and Prefect of the Maria-Chapdelaine RCM, stated: “With this innovative project, the RMR is taking a decisive step toward maximizing the value of residual waste. By capturing and transforming landfill gas into renewable natural gas, we are directly contributing to Québec’s climate goals while providing a clean energy source. This partnership with Waga Energy reflects our vision of resource management focused on the future and beneficial for our region.”

Julie Flynn, CEO of Waga Energy Canada, remarked: “I’m thrilled about this collaboration with the RMR Lac-Saint-Jean. Together, we are working toward a more responsible management of landfill gas at the regional landfill of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. We commend the dedication of the RMR’s elected officials and teams to the energy transition, a core driver of Waga Energy’s growth. Our teams have already demonstrated their expertise with three projects in Québec and the ongoing construction in British Columbia. This new project reaffirms the attractiveness of our WAGABOX® technology and our commitment to supporting landfill operators in their transition efforts.”

About the RMR Lac-Saint-Jean

The RMR takes concrete action to preserve the local environment through responsible and sustainable waste management practices. It mobilizes the entire region to collectively address the pressures on its technical landfill site. By emphasizing education and promoting the “3Rs” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover), it raises awareness and encourages the local population to maximize waste reduction efforts while minimizing final disposal.

Learn more at www.rmrlac.qc.ca

About Waga Energy

Waga Energy (EPA: WAGA) produces competitively priced Renewable Natural Gas (RNG, also known as “biomethane”) by upgrading landfill gas using a patented purification technology called WAGABOX®. The RNG produced is injected directly into the gas distribution networks that supply individuals and businesses, providing a substitute for fossil natural gas. Waga Energy operates 28 RNG production units in France, Spain, Canada and the USA, representing an installed capacity of more than 1 TWh per year (3,412,960 MMBtu). Each project initiated by Waga Energy contributes to the fight against global warming and helps the energy transition. Waga Energy employs 250 people. The 2023 consolidated revenue was 33.3m€. It is listed on Euronext Paris (FR0012532810 – EPA : WAGA). www.waga-energy.com/en