Producing Renewable Natural Gas for Québec's Energy Transition
As Québec seeks to decarbonize its economy, renewable natural gas (RNG) is emerging as a key complement to electrification, particularly for industries, heavy transportation and other sectors where electrification remains challenging. Consistent with Québec's integrated energy planning, RNG contributes to a diversified energy mix alongside electricity, helping strengthen the resilience, reliability and security of the energy system while supporting the province's decarbonization objectives.
To meet growing demand for locally produced RNG, Énergir, Québec's largest regulated gas distributor, is expanding RNG supplies across its network. The Hébertville Station’ WAGABOX® project, developed by Waga Energy in partnership with the Régie des matières résiduelles du Lac-Saint-Jean (RMR), contributes directly to this effort by transforming landfill gas into pipeline-quality RNG. As Waga Energy's fifth project in Canada and fourth in Québec, it further strengthens the province's renewable energy portfolio while supporting local energy security and decarbonization goals.
The Hébertville-Station Landfill is located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Québec, Canada.
Turning Landfill Gas into Pipeline-Quality RNG
To address Québec's ambition to increase renewable gas consumption and support the province's objective of achieving 10% RNG in its distribution network by 2030 (Plan pour une économie verte | Gouvernement du Québec), Waga Energy has partnered with the RMR to develop a RNG production project at the Hébertville Station landfill in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Québec. Waga Energy finances, builds, owns and operates a WAGABOX® unit that upgrades landfill gas into pipeline-quality RNG.
Under a long-term RNG purchase agreement, Énergir aquires all of the RNG produced and injects it into its distribution network, helping increase the availability of locally sourced RNG. The agreement provides a secure outlet for the RNG while supporting the long-term viability of the project. The initiative also benefits from a CA$15 million contribution from the Government of Québec, supporting the development of RNG production and distribution projects across the province.
Delivering Renewable Energy and Climate Benefits
The Hébertville project is the fourth collaboration between Waga Energy and Énergir, further strengthening a partnership dedicated to expanding RNG production in Québec. Announced in November 2024, the project will produce up to 200,000 GJ of RNG per year, equivalent to approximately 55 GWh of renewable energy.
The project was also recognized as the 2026 Project of the Year at the Canadian Biogas Industry Awards, reflecting its contribution to the development of RNG in Canada.
“Hébertville-Station is our fourth renewable natural gas (RNG) project in Quebec, and it perfectly embodies what each project brings us: perseverance, learning, and collective momentum. Each undertaking is demanding, yet each one makes the next one stronger and faster.”
By replacing fossil natural gas with locally produced RNG, the project will avoid approximately 9,400 tonnes of fossil CO₂-equivalent emissions each year. This estimate reflects the displacement of conventional natural gas; CO₂ emissions from RNG combustion are considered biogenic and are accounted for separately in GHG inventories.
For illustration purposes, the RNG produced is roughly equivalent to the annual consumption of around 2,900 households across the territory served by the RMR, which includes 50 municipalities and the community of Mashteuiatsh.
By transforming landfill gas into a renewable energy resource, the Hébertville project demonstrates how municipalities, energy distributors and technology providers can work together to reduce methane emissions, expand renewable energy production and create lasting environmental and economic value for local communities.
The project reinforces Waga Energy's long-standing collaboration with Énergir to increase RNG production and reach the objective of 10% RNG in its distribution network by 2030.
Key Facts
- Site: Hébertville Station, QC
- Partners: Régie des matières résiduelles du Lac-Saint-Jean (RMR), Waga Energy, Mashteuiatsh Community
- Project developer and operator: Waga Energy
- Technology: WAGABOX® landfill gas upgrading unit
- Start-up date: August 2027
- Agreement for the purchase and sale with Énergir: 20-year contract
- Annual production capacity: up to 200 000 GJ (~55 GWh)
- Climate impact: around 9,400 tons of fossil CO₂-equivalent emissions avoided per year
"Hébertville-Station is our fourth renewable natural gas project in Quebec, and it perfectly embodies what each project brings us: perseverance, learning, and collective momentum. Each undertaking is demanding, yet each one makes the next stronger and faster. To everyone developing projects across Canada: keep going.
These projects are viable and they work.
Together, let’s shape the energy of tomorrow."
Julie Flynn
CEO of Waga Energy Canada
"With this innovative project, the RMR is taking a decisive step forward in the recovery of residual materials. By capturing biogas and transforming it into RNG, we are directly contributing to Quebec’s climate goals while providing a renewable energy source. This partnership with Waga Energy embodies our vision of resource management that is forward-looking and benefits our region."
