Electricity generation through cogeneration (combined heat and power)
ReSolve’s biorefinary will use 100% of the steam and only 3% of the electricity generation – with 97% available for sale
ReSolve operates an integrated biomass cogeneration system, also known as combined heat and power, that converts forestry residues into both steam and renewable electricity, providing reliable 24/7 baseload power to the Hydro-Québec grid. Unlike intermittent renewable sources such as solar or wind, cogeneration (combined heat and power) delivers a stable, dispatchable source of clean energy that supports continuous industrial operations and enhances regional energy security.
For each tonne of forestry biomass converted into 2G ethanol and lignin pellets, the cogeneration unit generates approximately 2.4 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity and 3.0 MWh of usable thermal energy in the form of steam. The company consumes only about 3% of the generated electricity for its own operations, exporting the remaining 97% to Hydro-Québec, thereby ensuring maximum economic return and minimal energy loss through efficient conversion.
From a carbon-accounting perspective, our cogeneration is low carbon emission and does not participate to global warming. The feedstock originates from the active carbon cycle, unlike fossil fuels that release long-stored carbon. Consequently, the company’s carbon-neutral power generation significantly reduces lifecycle emissions.
Beyond emissions reduction, biomass cogeneration provides strategic advantages for Québec’s renewable-energy mix. Because production is independent of weather, it complements the province’s hydroelectric network and ensures a reliable backup supply during peak demand. Québec already operates multiple successful biomass-based cogeneration facilities, demonstrating the province’s technical readiness, supportive policies, and grid infrastructure for integrating new clean-energy capacity.
By combining cogeneration, lignin pellet manufacturing, and ethanol production within a single circular system, ReSolve ensures that every unit of energy extracted from biomass is fully utilized. The result is a sustainable, carbon-neutral energy platform that produces renewable fuels, process heat, and clean electricity, advancing both industrial decarbonization and regional economic development.