Marie-France's Elevation to the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) Board of Directors

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Marie-France Gravelle, Canada Future Energy Lead at GHD, to the esteemed Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) Board of Directors. A prominent figure in the future energy industry, Marie-France's exceptional expertise and visionary outlook are poised to significantly contribute to the growth and triumph of the biogas and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) sectors in Canada.

Marie-France assumed her position on the board of directors in April 2023. Since then, she has been diligently collaborating with the association to emphasize the significance of RNG and biogas as pivotal energy sources for decarbonizing industries and attaining Canada's net-zero objectives. In her first initiative, she is actively participating in a committee focused on crafting a policy proposal for a Clean Gas Standard in Canada.

This forward-thinking standard aims to achieve gradual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from gaseous fuel utilization.

It is intended to complement the existing Clean Fuel Regulations, proposed Clean Electricity Regulation, and proposed Oil & Gas GHG Emissions Cap by covering emissions not addressed by these regulations.

Marie-France passionately advocates, "Joining the CBA board of directors has illuminated the need for greater federal attention towards RNG and biogas as indispensable tools in our 'energy toolbox' for achieving economy-wide decarbonization. These clean energy sources must be integral to financial incentive frameworks, much like the Investment Tax Credits for low-carbon hydrogen recently announced. Only by collectively considering all viable solutions can Canada fulfill its climate commitments by 2030 and 2050."

Marie-France's presence on the board brings a unique perspective, representing the engineering and consulting sectors. Her concurrent role on the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association board further solidifies her as a valuable asset to both the RNG and hydrogen markets in Canada. Her unwavering belief in the transformative power of clean fuels underpins her commitment to steering the energy transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

The Canadian Biogas Association (CBA), a member-driven entity, ardently champions the expansion and advancement of the biogas and RNG industry within Canada. This association vigorously advocates for RNG and biogas as indispensable energy sources to actualize Canada's climate objectives. Alongside its federal advocacy, the CBA is steadfastly dedicated to public education, disseminating valuable resources to community members and policymakers alike. With over 280 ongoing projects spanning the nation, which have collectively prevented more than 8 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, the undeniable impact of the CBA reverberates throughout Canada.

The CBA's comprehensive study, 'Hitting Canada’s Climate Targets with Biogas & RNG,' underscores the vast potential of biogas and RNG in propelling Canada's transition towards a low-carbon economy.

In the realm of biogas production, several feedstock opportunities show promise in generating low-carbon energy:

• Food Waste: Derived from extensive agricultural practices, food waste can be transformed into heat and electricity through biogas and RNG technologies.
• Livestock Manure: With over 12,000 livestock operations in Canada, converting livestock manure into biogas presents a substantial opportunity for energy production.
• Wastewater Treatment Plants: Over 4,000 wastewater treatment plants across Canada offer potential for biogas production from waste treatment processes.

RNG holds immense promise, particularly in the transportation sector. It can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% when employed in heavy-duty vehicles, surpassing the impact of current diesel fuel usage. Additionally, RNG can be seamlessly integrated into natural gas pipelines, leveraging existing infrastructure to effectively decarbonize the natural gas sector and address emissions challenges in hard-to-abate industries.

The CBA extends an invitation to businesses and government entities to actively engage and participate in the biogas and RNG industry. By heeding the insights of the CBA, governments can enhance their efforts in advancing this transformative sector. Businesses, on the other hand, can contribute to the industry's growth by becoming CBA members, gaining access to invaluable networking opportunities, industry insights, and expertise.

In the journey to expedite the energy transition through biogas and RNG deployment, businesses and governments have a vital role to play. By de-risking investment, promoting technological innovation, nurturing workforce development, and securing community support, both sectors can be pivotal in ushering in a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

We stand committed to supporting clients and communities in their transition toward an affordable, reliable, secure, and low-carbon energy landscape. Our collaboration with the CBA and other technical associations, research organizations, and regulatory agencies underscores our dedication to staying at the forefront of developments in the biogas and RNG field. As partners to both private and public sector clients, we offer profound technical and regulatory knowledge, delivering solutions that contribute to a thriving clean energy future. Our comprehensive support encompasses every aspect of RNG projects, from inception and design to construction, commissioning, and beyond.

For more insights and information, we invite you to explore our comprehensive RNG whitepaper.