Biogas plant

Alternative Fuels

Driven by climate change, consumer demand, and increasing government regulation, the global energy landscape is changing rapidly. The pace of development and commercialization of alternative fuels is unprecedented, positioning the sector for near and long-term growth. Governments at all levels are shifting their focus toward the use of alternative fuels, creating a new and expanded regulatory and legal framework and resulting in increased use of low-carbon fuel options in Canada’s energy supply.

Hydrogen and renewable natural gas are now a major focus in Canada. They power cars and heat homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Companies across Canada are investing in alternative fuels to remake their greenhouse gas emissions profiles, while municipalities and private proponents are building facilities powered by alternative fuels to manage organic waste no longer allowed in landfills.

Our top-ranked energy team provides strategic legal advice on the development and use of alternative fuels, including:

  • Hydrogen;
  • Electricity and electric vehicle (EV) charging networks;
  • Biogas;
  • Ethanol/methanol;
  • Renewable natural gas;
  • Renewable diesel/biodiesel;
  • Synthetic fuels;
  • Bio-propane; and
  • Sustainable aviation fuels.

BLG’s energy lawyers have deep industry experience related to electricity, oil and gas, renewables, and infrastructure across Canada. Our lawyers regularly assist clients in developing alternative fuel projects and provide strategic advice to navigate the complex regulatory and legal framework governing the alternative fuels sector.

Experience

  • Regional Municipality of Durham and Regional Municipality of York in the development of the Durham York Energy Centre, an energy-from-waste (EFW) facility.
  • Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), in connection with its power purchase agreement and other material agreements for its 6.6 MW green energy biomass project located near Meadow Lake, Sask.
  • First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan (FNPA) in its set-asides program with Saskpower for solar and flare gas projects.
  • The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) with respect to:
    • The Procurement of Electricity from Energy from Waste (EFW) Projects;
    • The Energy from Waste Standard Offer Program (EFWSOP) addressing solid municipal waste; and
    • Power-to-Gas stakeholder engagement initiative.
  • Toronto Hydro Energy Services with respect to the:
    • Ashbridges Bay Project using Biogas produced from the Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility; and
    • Green Lane Cogeneration Project utilizing landfill gas to produce electricity at the City of Toronto landfill in St. Thomas, Ont.
  • Guelph Hydro in the development of the Eastview Landfill Gas to Energy Plant.
  • Matter Global Solutions in founding Canada’s first Open Innovation Resource Conversion Centre.
  • Hydra Energy Corporation on a package of commercial agreements, including a Fuel Purchase Agreement and a long term Fuel Supply Contract.
  • RDX Technologies Inc. on an international dispute regarding the purchase of a renewable diesel plant in Carthage, Miss.
  • The negotiation of a co-operation agreement related to the investigation of processing biocrude made from wood residue into transportation fuels and advising on credits under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements).
  • Counsel to various district energy providers in respect of proposals for district energy co-generation facilities under the Combined Heat and Power (CHP II) RFP.
  • An industrial company in a proposal under the Energy Recovery Standard Offer Program (ERSOP) for a byproduct waste gas project.
  • Project counsel across Canada related to investment in green hydrogen, green ammonia, green steel and green fertilizer technologies, and related infrastructure development.
  • Advised public and private sector entities on all aspects of Alberta’s geothermal project development.
  • A developer in the Brantford Mohawk Street Landfill gas generation project.
  • A developer in British Columbia on a waste hydrogen recovery project.
  • Lenders in the financing of a 23 MW biomass cogeneration facility located in Québec.
  • A major international energy company on Clean Fuel Standard compliance.
  • Numerous Ontario local distribution companies (LDCs) and their affiliates in the installation of EV charging infrastructure connected to the local electricity distribution grid.
  • Regulatory advice in respect of electrolysis (power to gas projects) in Ontario.
  • University of Guelph in the development of a clean energy hub project alongside various industry stakeholders.
  • Scovan Engineering in a strategic alliance in the development of biomass-to-green hydrogen projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
  • Canadian Biogas Association in industry association submissions to the federal government on biogas-related provisions of the Clean Fuel Standard.
  • An anaerobic digestion proponent in the generation of biogas from agricultural feedstocks.
  • A Clean Gas (using CCS) proponent in credit generation matters under the Clean Fuel Standard with Québec natural gas project.
  • A gasification technology proponent in Canada’s first conversion of commercial food waste-to-renewable natural gas projects.
  • A proponent in pyrolysis of biomass project for the generation of renewable natural gas under the FortisBC purchase program.
  • A hydrogen electrolysis company in market positioning matters for domestic and international hydrogen installations.
  • A national retail fuel outlet company in funding and credit opportunities under various federal programs, including the Clean Fuel Standard.

Key Contacts

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