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PyroGenesis' Plasma-Based SPARC(TM) System Officially Unveiled at Launch of New Zealand's National Refrigerant Destruction Facility
MONTREAL, March 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Inc. (“PyroGenesis” or &#x...
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[{"type":"text","content":"PyroGenesis’ Plasma-Based SPARC™ System Officially Unveiled at Launch of New Zealand’s National Refrigerant Destruction FacilityFirst of its type in the Southern Hemisphere\nMONTREAL, March 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Inc. (“PyroGenesis” or “the Company”) (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY1), a leader in ultra-high temperature processes and engineering innovation, and a plasma-based technology provider to heavy industry & defense, announces that its plasma-based SPARC™ system was unveiled during the official launch of New Zealand’s National Refrigerant Destruction Facility, on Friday March 20, 2026. The facility is the first of its type in the Southern Hemisphere and will use PyroGenesis’ patented all-electric steam plasma arc (“SPARC”) system to safely destroy up to 100,000 kg/yr of hazardous end-of-life synthetic refrigerants, such as CFCs, HFCs, and HCFCs. These gases have a combined Global Warming Potential of 220 million kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Their destruction ends the potential for harm. Image 1: PyroGenesis’ steam plasma arc (SPARC™) hazardous refrigerant destruction system, shown at the opening of New Zealand’s National Refrigerant Destruction Facility. Photo Credit: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media. PyroGenesis was awarded the contract, valued at approximately $6 million, to design and build the SPARC™ system for New Zealand. This was part of a national initiative to address the climate impact of harmful refrigerant gases locally, rather than continuing the existing practice of collecting, storing, then transporting the gases to Australia for incineration. Synthetic refrigerants are found in heat pumps, commercial refrigeration, and residential & commercial air conditioning systems. When those products are disposed of, the refrigerants contained within can leak into the environment and, as such, must be captured for treatment. With the opening of this new facility, New Zealand’s end-of-life refrigerants will no longer need to be stockpiled and shipped offshore. Instead, they will be permanently and safely destroyed in New Zealand, using PyroGenesis’ patented all-electric technology. Additionally, the facility is adjacent to geothermal plants, enabl...