Switching to electrification and alternative fuels

The energy transition is a worldwide priority, driven by the urgency of climate change and the need to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Equipment electrification and the use of alternative fuels are two key strategies being explored. Major industries, such as mining, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, chemicals, and natural resources, must evolve quickly to meet government requirements. This transition calls for innovative solutions tailored to the specific operational needs of each company.

Switching to electrification and alternative fuels

  1. YOUR CHALLENGES

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      Decarbonizing without sacrificing profitability and operational performance

      As you begin your decarbonization journey, you’ll need to navigate a range of technological options. The ideal alternative energy solution will deliver high energy intensity while maximizing the use your existing equipment and infrastructure. Operating in this context also means respecting environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, while securing the necessary permits and funding to carry out your tests. Moreover, some industrial processes present significant challenges to decarbonization because of their high energy demands or the complexities involved in resource transformation. Adapting requires advanced engineering solutions, as there are many challenges and time is limited.

  2. OUR EXPERTISE

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      Multidisciplinary engineering solutions to optimize your energy project

      Your reality and constraints are unique, and technology is advancing at a rapid pace. In this dynamic environment, having a flexible approach and support at every project stage are essential to achieving your objectives. Our solid expertise in process engineering—including electrical engineering, system modernization, energy efficiency and storage solutions—combined with our dedicated environmental team, make us a key partner in your success.

      Energy strategy and planning

      Our holistic approach involves conducting a detailed analysis of greenhouse gas emissions, identifying reduction opportunities and developing plans tailored to the specific objectives of each energy project. We offer comprehensive support to help you meet regulatory requirements and secure the necessary financing.

      • Carbon footprint measurement and modelling
      • Development of the energy procurement and risk management strategy
      • Implementation plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
      • Assistance in obtaining financing and with permitting
      • Consulting for environmental assessments, site selection, ESG and carbon market strategies

      Alternative fuel processes

      Decarbonization doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Alternatives to hydrocarbons offer viable options in the energy transition, contributing to the global effort to reduce GHGs. With extensive experience in process engineering and technology assessment across various industries, BBA designs and optimizes processes that use alternative fuels instead of traditional fossil fuels.

      • Design and engineering of facilities to produce, store and distribute alternative fuels such as:
        • Low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia
        • Liquefied natural gas
        • Biofuel
        • Synthetic fluids
        • Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
        • Other emerging technologies
      • Process optimization for alternative fuels to maximize energy efficiency and reduce emissions
      • Life cycle assessment to evaluate carbon footprints and promote sustainable choices

      Equipment and facility electrification

      Electrical engineering is part of our DNA. Our cutting-edge expertise allows us to support you effectively in your transition to electrification, whether it’s for infrastructure, industrial processes or vehicle fleets and mobile equipment such as trucks, shovels, drills and trains. To help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize your carbon footprint, we also offer solutions for energy storage, energy efficiency and smart grid management.

      • Power-system studies and analyses
      • Autonomous hybrid grids
      • Energy storage solutions
      • Power system modernization
      • Electrification of industrial equipment
      • Energy efficiency improvement solutions

      Technology auditing and integration

      To leverage technologies effectively in your decarbonization efforts, it’s crucial to carry out a thorough technology assessment of your company. This process will identify issues, challenges and will target inefficient practices. Our approach to technology assessment uses evidence-based data collection and analysis to create tools that enhance operational performance. With forty years of practical experience in industrial processes and strong working relationships with technology suppliers, our multidisciplinary team can offer digital diagnostics and unbiased, reliable recommendations tailored to your operational reality. We can also help you integrate and optimize these solutions in the field.

      • Audits of various mechanical technologies and processes: vehicles, machinery, recharging infrastructure, backup and storage power, energy management systems, IoT and predictive maintenance solutions and more
      • Technology selection, proof of concept and digital innovation planning
      • Integration into operations
      • Performance monitoring and verification systems
      • Training and change management

      Complete solutions, from strategy to execution

      At BBA, we use our expertise in operational excellence to support you throughout the entire life cycle of your energy project, from development to the implementation of a complete solution based on your key performance indicators. We develop flexible solutions that allow you to adapt your infrastructure and decentralize energy by optimizing and modernizing it, helping you achieve your performance and sustainability targets.

      • Multidisciplinary engineering design for project implementation
      • Solution deployment
      • Health and safety plan
      • Onsite support
      • Operational support to maximize your performance
      • Strategic asset management
  3. Solutions we offer
  4. GO-TO CONTACT

    Meet our decarbonization experts

    Let's talk together
    1. Francois Vitez

      François Vitez, P.Eng.

      Vice-President, Power and Renewables Market

      Francois Vitez

      François Vitez, P.Eng.

      Vice-President, Power and Renewables Market

      francois.vitez@bbaconsultants.com

      Drawing on over 30 years of experience working with leaders in the electrical sector, François Vitez combines technical expertise and market insight to support power system planning and modernization.

      Key expertise and certifications

      •Power systems: from generation to distribution

      •Energy market strategy and development

      •Hydropower and energy storage (pumped storage)

      •Power system modernization and advanced technologies

      •Engineer, member of EGBC and the OIQ

      Major achievements: Delivered over 15 energy infrastructure projects in EPC/EPCM mode across Canada and abroad. 50+ energy studies and projects in project development and rehabilitation mode. ​

      Approach and added value: François offers a clear and realistic vision of power systems, connecting strategy, technique and business decisions to help advance projects with confidence.

    2. Stephane Charest

      Stéphane Charest, P.Eng.

      Vice-president, Energy and Chemicals Market

      Stephane Charest

      Stéphane Charest, P.Eng.

      Vice-president, Energy and Chemicals Market

      stephane.charest@bbaconsultants.com

      For nearly 30 years, Stéphane Charest has connected operators with technology developers in the energy and chemical processing sectors. His goal is to turn innovations into reliable, profitable industrial solutions without compromising operational stability.

      Key expertise

      •Designing and optimizing refining, gas, industrial and chemical processes

      •Scaling up and integrating new technologies into commercial plants

      •Industrial utilities and energy excellence

      •HAZOP/HAZID, reliability (RAM) and incident investigations

      •Managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders

      Major achievements: Managed over 30 unit-improvement projects (gas treatment, refining, CO₂ capture/utilization, speciality products) across North America, Europe and the Middle East.

      Approach and added value: Stéphane ensures engineering solutions are implemented while being profitable, reliable and sustainable in large-scale commercial operations.

    3. Ec employee women susan campbell retouch web SQ LR BBA

      Susan Cambell, P.Eng., PMP

      Director, Decarbonization

      Ec employee women susan campbell retouch web SQ LR BBA

      Susan Cambell, P.Eng., PMP

      Director, Decarbonization

      susan.campbell@bba.ca

      Susan Campbell brings over 25 years of experience leading strategic technology projects and carbon initiatives, combining technical rigour with leadership to secure investments and optimize performance.

      Key expertise and certifications

      •Advanced carbon reduction technologies

      •Optimization of the energy value chain

      •Process engineering and complex facility design

      •Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), PMP

      Major achievements: Managed complex projects in renewable co-processing and carbon strategies, delivering innovative solutions for major players in the energy sector.

      Approach and added value: Susan combines in-depth technical expertise and strategic leadership to deliver reliable results, anticipate technical and regulatory challenges and accelerate the energy transition.

    4. Hugo Careau

      Hugo Careau, P.Eng.

      Principal Engineer, Decarbonization

      Hugo Careau

      Hugo Careau, P.Eng.

      Principal Engineer, Decarbonization

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