The Régie des matières résiduelles du Lac-Saint-Jean (RWM) and Waga Energy have announced the signing of an agreement to develop an innovative biomethane production project at the Hébertville-Station engineered landfill site (ELS).
Waga Energy will work alongside the RWM, which manages the ELS serving 50 municipalities and the Mashteuiatsh community. The partnership includes the construction and operation of a WAGABOX® unit capable of producing up to 55 GWh of biomethane per year, enough to supply more than 2,280 homes. By capturing and upgrading biogas, the project will prevent the emission of 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, contributing to the energy transition.
The Hébertville-Station ELS receives up to 203,500 tonnes of waste per year. At present, the biogas produced on site is captured and flared. From 2026 onwards, the WAGABOX® unit will purify this biogas and inject the resulting biomethane into the gas grid, providing households and businesses in the region with a renewable alternative to fossil natural gas.
The project's feasibility study received CA$300,000 in funding from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy through the Renewable Natural Gas Production Support Programme. This programme is financed by the Electrification and Climate Change Fund, dedicated exclusively to tackling climate change and implementing the measures set out in the Green Economy Plan 2030. The initiative is aligned with the provincial strategy to integrate 10% renewable gas into the natural gas network by 2030.
This partnership represents Waga Energy’s fourth project in Quebec. Three WAGABOX® units are already in operation in Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, Cowansville and Chicoutimi, while a fifth unit is under construction in British Columbia. This new initiative reaffirms Waga Energy’s commitment to developing sustainable waste management solutions and renewable energy production across Canada.
“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.”
Luc Simard
President of the RMR and Prefect of the Maria-Chapdelaine RCM.
“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.”
Julie Flynn
CEO of Waga Energy Canada.
