The project was announced last December, subject to finalizing commercial agreements. Approximately 875 million Canadian dollars will be spent on the plant, which will produce low-carbon fuels and renewable chemicals from non-recyclable waste. Once completed, the facility will treat more than 200,000 t/y of non-recyclable waste and wood waste with an annual production of nearly 125 million liters of low carbon fuels. Commissioning of the first phase is scheduled for 2023.

As well as diverting waste from landfill sites, the Varennes Carbon Recycling plant will also expand the overall supply of alternative fuels and increase low-carbon fuels production in Quebec.

Joining Shell and Enerkem in the project are Suncor Energy, Proman and Hydro-Quebec with support also from the Quebec and Canadian governments.

The plant supports Quebec’s Plan for a Green Economy, a framework policy of electrification and fighting climate change, and is also in line with the province’s aim for a 40% reduction in the use of fossil fuel products by 2030.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist