QuestAir and Terasen Gas Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Biogas Project Development in B.C.
October 2nd, 2008 - Posted in BioenergyVancouver, BC, October 2, 2008–(T-Net)–QuestAir Technologies Inc. (TSX: QAR; AIM: QAR) and Terasen Gas Inc. have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding whereby the companies will work jointly on the development of potential projects to produce supplies of bio-methane from organic waste. This clean energy source would be injected into Terasen Gas’s existing pipeline system for distribution to homes and businesses.
Under terms of the two-year non-binding memorandum, QuestAir will support the Terasen Gas Request for Expressions of Interest in biogas projects. QuestAir and Terasen Gas will share information regarding market developments, government policy and technology on purifying biogas to a quality suitable for injection into Terasen Gas pipelines. QuestAir will also help identify potential biogas opportunities in B.C., and will participate in stakeholder workshops planned for B.C. this fall.
“We are delighted to be working with Terasen Gas,” said Andrew Hall, President and CEO of QuestAir. “The utility has taken a leadership role in facilitating the development of a biogas market in British Columbia through its recent announcement of a request for expressions of interest for biogas upgrading projects.”
The initiative supports the B.C. Energy Plan’s objective to increase the province’s production of clean and renewable energy, while reducing emissions from waste methane, which is 21 times more powerful in warming the atmosphere than CO2.
“This is another step in our plan to deliver alternate energy sources that can be used by our customers to heat their homes and businesses and provide fuel for water heaters, fireplaces and barbecues,” said Doug Stout, Terasen Gas Vice President, Marketing and Business Development. “Capturing an untapped, waste energy source is one component of our commitment to meet the B.C. government’s clean energy objectives.”
QuestAir, Terasen Gas and Metro Vancouver are also co-operating on a $1.1 million biogas upgrading project at the Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant in West Vancouver, which will recover and upgrade biogas generated from the digestion of municipal sewage. Renewable natural gas from this project will be injected into the Terasen Gas distribution system in West Vancouver, and supply renewable energy to heat approximately 100 homes. The British Columbia Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund has committed $366,000 towards this project.
QuestAir has supplied methane purifiers to 10 plants worldwide that upgrade biogas to biomethane, for injection into existing natural gas pipelines and distribution to homeowners, or for use as a renewable vehicle fuel.
About QuestAir Technologies Inc.
QuestAir Technologies, Inc. is a developer and supplier of proprietary gas purification systems for several large international markets, including biogas production, natural gas processing and oil refining. QuestAir is based in Burnaby, British Columbia and its shares trade on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange Plc. and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “QAR”.
About Terasen Gas Inc.
Terasen Gas delivers natural gas and propane through three companies that make up the Terasen Gas group: Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc. and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. The companies share common Terasen Inc. ownership and are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves two million gas and electric customers and has more than $10 billion of assets. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, such statements use such words as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will” and other similar terminology. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.
For further information
QuestAir Technologies Inc., Andrew Hall, Phone: (604) 453-6967, Email: hall@questairinc.com, Web: www.questairinc.com
Or: Sherry Tryssenaar, Phone: (604) 453-6902, Email: tryssenaar@questairinc.com
UK media contact: Charles Ryland, Ben Willey, Buchanan Communications, Phone: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
Canadian media contact: Ian Noble & Stephen Burega, Karyo Communications, Phone: (604) 623-3007
Canaccord Adams: Robert Finlay, Phone: +44 (0) 207 050 6500
Terasen Gas Inc., Michael Chisholm, Corporate Communications Manager, Terasen Gas Inc., (604) 576-7300, Email: Michael.Chisholm@terasengas.com
