PyroGenesis' Plasma-Based SPARC(TM) System Officially Unveiled at Launch of New Zealand's National Refrigerant Destruction Facility

Executive Summary

• PyroGenesis Inc. was awarded a ≈ $6 million contract to design, build, and install its all‑electric SPARC™ plasma arc system for New Zealand’s first National Refrigerant Destruction Facility.
• The facility will destroy up to 100,000 kg/yr of end‑of‑life synthetic refrigerants (CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, etc.), eliminating the need to ship gases to Australia and reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions by an estimated 220 million kg CO₂e annually.
• The project showcases PyroGenesis’ technology in a new geographic market and aligns with New Zealand’s climate‑action initiatives, representing a significant commercial milestone for the company.

Key Details

• Contract Value: Approximately $6 million (design, engineering, construction, and commissioning of SPARC™ system).
• System Capability: Destroy up to 100,000 kg per year of hazardous synthetic refrigerants.
• Environmental Impact: Prevents release of gases with a combined Global Warming Potential of 220 million kg CO₂e annually.
• Location & Infrastructure: Facility located in Kawerau, New Zealand; co‑located with geothermal plants to use renewable electricity for operations.
• Technology Highlights:
• All‑electric plasma arc (SPARC™) uses inexpensive steam as the plasma‑forming gas.
• Generates hydrolysis reaction that safely destroys ozone‑depleting refrigerants without incineration.
• Provides lower operating costs and carbon footprint versus traditional incineration methods.
• Strategic Significance: First facility of its type in the Southern Hemisphere; expands PyroGenesis’ market presence into New Zealand and demonstrates applicability of SPARC™ for large‑scale environmental remediation projects.
• Quotes:
• P. Peter Pascali, President & CEO: “Projects of this kind… demonstrate how all‑electric, plasma‑based technology can deliver both environmental benefits and meaningful gains in operational efficiency.”
• Richard Lauder, Chair – Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants: Emphasized the facility as a new chapter in advanced environmental stewardship for New Zealand.

Notable Quotes

• “Refrigerants are crucial for cooling but have a global warming potential thousands of times that of CO₂… our SPARC™ system will be instrumental to the national initiative for safe destruction of hazardous refrigerants.” – P. Peter Pascali, President & CEO, PyroGenesis.