Organic waste processor Convertus Group is moving forward with plans to build a new biofuel facility in York Region.

The company announced last summer that it had received all necessary approvals and permits to begin building the facility, and last week, the Ontario government came forward with a commitment of $2 million through its Regional Development Program to support the construction.

The total budget for the project is approximately $165 million.

“Convertus’ investment serves not only as a vote of confidence in our municipalities, manufacturers, and workers, but in Ontario’s role as a reliable and trusted partner for growth,” said Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli. “Through the Regional Development Program, our government is proud to support a company that is increasing our resilience and self-reliance across domestic supply chains and reinforcing the province’s leadership in next-generation technologies and solutions.”

Convertus York will be the first biofuel plant in Canada to incorporate integrated CO2 liquefaction technology. The facility will be able to process up to 200,000 tons of organic waste annually from the Regional Municipality of York and surrounding areas using advanced anaerobic technology.

Once operational in 2027, the facility will help eliminate the transportation of organic waste to distant locations, resulting in an estimated 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided each year. All materials received will be converted into renewable natural gas (RNG) and nutrient-rich organic fertilizers.

The process is expected to generate between 350,000 to 400,000 gigajoules (GJ) of RNG per year, enough to heat approximately 5,000 homes. This clean energy will be injected directly into the local gas grid, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

"Support from Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Competitiveness stream is helping Convertus adopt advanced technologies for the York facility,” said CEO Mike Leopold.

The new facility is expected to create more than 50 jobs.