Overview:
The Blois family, long-time farmers in Hants County, set out to make their operations more sustainable through on-farm energy production. After a decade of research, they chose to develop a biogas digester capable of converting organic waste into heat and electricity — a first-of-its-kind system in the region.
About The Project:
Rural Roots was engaged as the lead engineering consultant and project manager, guiding the project from conception through commissioning. We collaborated with Fitec, a German leader in biogas technology, to bring a sophisticated digester design to life — one that had never before been implemented in this region.
Our Responsibilities Included:
• System Localization: Adapting Fitec’s core design to accommodate Nova Scotia’s climate, regulatory landscape, and available construction methods.
• Coordination & Oversight: Managing local trades, equipment suppliers, and utility providers to ensure the project stayed on schedule and budget.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating a complex approval process including:
– Securing environmental approvals
– Achieving CSA certification for gas system components
– Facilitating grid connection with the provincial power utility
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Working closely with Courthouse Hill Energy, local authorities, and provincial bodies to ensure alignment across all aspects of the project.
Result & Impact:
The completed biogas digester now serves as a renewable energy anchor for the farm — transforming organic waste streams into both heat and electricity. This system reduces dependence on fossil fuels, improves waste management, and serves as a model for sustainable agricultural infrastructure in Atlantic Canada.
Beyond powering the Blois farm, the project sets a regional precedent for combining traditional farming with next-generation energy systems — and showcases Rural Roots’ ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder renewable energy projects from the ground up.
get in touch
For more information about us, our services and our projects, please get in touch.