Biofuel Products

Learn about the different biofuel products that are produced at the facility.

Operating as a closed loop system, the Surrey Biofuel Facility generates outputs that result in a range of products that feed back into the loop and benefit local industries and residents.

A combination of the newest technology and testing practices ensures our products are of the highest quality and achieve all required regulatory standards.

Biogas

Biogas, a mixture made of methane, carbon dioxide and small traces of various other gases. It is often referred to as ‘deep green energy’ because it is not only renewable, but is derived through non-harmful means to the environment. Biogas is upgraded to a renewable natural gas (RNG) by removing carbon dioxide and other contaminated gases. RNG is biomethane, which is chemically very similar to natural gas, as it contains over 96% methane.

City of Surrey and FortisBC partnership

To distribute the RNG produced by the facility, the City of Surrey has partnered with FortisBC. The upgraded biogas is pumped into the Fortis natural gas energy grid. The City makes use of the equivalent of 100% of the RNG generated at the facility.

Biomethane is two times more energy efficient at generating electricity than regular biogas.

Upgraded biomethane is compliant with FortisBC’s recommended methane quality of up to 96%.

FortisBC RNG program

As an energy leader, FortisBC is the first North American utility to offer a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Program to its customers. The utility continues to invest in new infrastructure and works closely with municipalities, food processors and their energy and waste partners to close the loop on organic materials by diverting these materials from landfill, and using them to generate RNG.

RNG is a locally produced, carbon neutral energy source available for use in BC homes and businesses. FortisBC uses proven biogas purification equipment to ensure the biomethane meets the same quality standards FortisBC customers have come to rely upon for conventional natural gas.

Currently with its five suppliers, including the Surrey Biofuel Facility when it is fully operational, the estimated annual RNG production will be 320,000 GJ, which is enough to heat about 3,500 homes for a year. These projects help reduce B.C.'s carbon footprint since the methane captured would otherwise escape into the atmosphere.

FortisBC is committed to working with suppliers to provide British Columbians with a safe, affordable and reliable energy supply. 

Compost

'Grade A' closed loop compost made proudly in BC

Compost is the second loop provided by the Surrey Biofuel Facility. Our rich, high quality compost proudly carries the ‘Made in BC’ label. It can be used in commercial and residential landscaping, to nurture BC crops and gardens, and to promote animal health.

Growing benefits

Closed Loop Compost supports healthy root systems and makes plants thrive. An added benefit in the fight on climate change is its ability to sequester carbon dioxide in the soil. Growing benefits include the following:

  • 5% increase in compost quadruples the water holding capacity of soil
  • Supports living soil microorganisms that make plants more resistant to disease
  • Promotes healthy root growth and fortifies soil fertility
  • Attracts earthworms that help with aeration
  • Protects soil from chemical imbalances
  • Improves soil health, texture and tilth
  • Adds essential nutrients to the soil

Prior to distribution, all Closed Loop Compost undergoes vigorous testing to ensure it passes all federal (CCME) and provincial (OMRR) regulations.

Fertilizer

Ammonia sulphate generated from the anaerobic digestion process is upgraded to a 13% liquid fertilizer for use in the BC agriculture sector. Liquid fertilizer provides a supply of micronutrients essential to plant survival that can absorb quickly into the soil and feed plant growth for up to two weeks. This product is ideal for BC produce crops - particularly berry cultures. With a high nitrogen content, it can speed up root growth, fortify root strength, control weeds and improve water retention during hot summer months, reducing long-term watering costs.