Ontario Construction News staff writer
Walker Industries announced this week that the Niagara renewable natural gas (RNG) facility has reached final stages of commissioning, making it the largest RNG project in Ontario.
The plant will capture and refine landfill gas into low-carbon RNG, providing enough clean energy for more than 8,750 residential homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 48,000 metric tons over the course of a year.
“The project represents our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Geordie Walker, president and CEO, Walker Industries. “For the past 20 years, we have been harnessing landfill gas into energy and we are excited to provide a consistent source of clean natural gas that can heat homes and support industrial activity for many years to come.”
It’s a $50 million partnership with Comcor Environmental Ltd. and Enbridge Gas Inc. and has the necessary infrastructure to support the project, including a fully developed landfill gas capture and collection system and a direct connection to the Enbridge natural gas distribution system, which will be activated in the coming days.
“RNG presents a significant opportunity to provide affordable, reliable, and low-carbon fuel for Ontario’s increasing energy needs,” said Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad, vice president of engineering and integrity, Enbridge Gas. “The Niagara RNG facility celebrates a collaboration between industry leaders who have proven capacity and capability in energy and bio-gas utilization.”
The project aligns with the Ontario government’s commitment to build clean, affordable and renewable energy programs that reduce GHG emissions, and can also play a critical role supporting Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
“The collaboration between Walker Industries, Enbridge and Comcor Environmental is a great example of partners working together to seize the economic opportunity of turning landfill gas from waste into a valuable resource,” said MPP Andrea Khanjin, Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks. ‘This project demonstrates how innovative solutions can drive positive change that creates jobs in Ontario, improves energy reliability and reduces greenhouse gas emissions for both our environment and future generations,”
Part of the Niagara community for 135 years, Walker continues to evolve by turning perceived challenges into solutions. This innovative spirit and community partner approach is why the Niagara RNG project is uniquely tailored for Walker’s business model and record of service.