Niagara will be home to Ontario’s larges renewable gas facility by end of 2021

Ontario Construction News Staff writer

Construction is underway on Ontario’s largest renewable natural gas facility – a project that showcases Ontario’s innovative energy sector while creating jobs in Niagara.

The $42 million Niagara Falls Renewable Natural Gas plant will generate enough clean renewable energy from landfill waste to heat 8,750 homes across the country and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 48,000 tonnes.

“I want to congratulate Enbridge and private sector partners, Walker Industries and Comcor Environmental, for coming together to make this innovative renewable natural gas project possible,” said Jeff Yurek, minister of the environment, conservation and parks.

“Our government knows the private sector has the capital, capability and know-how to transform clean technology markets across Canada and we will continue to work closely with Ontario’s energy sector to find more ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions efficiently and affordably.”

The innovative facility will transform landfill waste into clean energy. This is achieved by capturing biogas generated by decomposing organic waste and transforming it into renewable natural gas.

Approximately 50 people will be employed during construction, expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

“Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a made-in-Ontario, carbon neutral energy source, and this investment in Niagara Falls showcases the innovative leadership of our energy sector,” said Associate Minister of Energy Bill Walker. “Clearly, these types of projects are not only good for the environment, they will also contribute significantly to Ontario’s economic recovery. Developing renewable natural gas production is encouraged in our government’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan and we look forward to exploring further opportunities in the future.”

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has also approved an application from Enbridge to implement a pilot Voluntary Renewable Natural Gas Program in Ontario starting in 2021. Through the program, customers can choose to support the transition to clean energy through a small monthly contribution to purchase carbon-neutral renewable natural gas. During the first five years of the program, Enbridge Gas anticipates up to 28,000 customers could participate reducing CO2 emissions by 8,000 tonnes, equivalent to taking 1,600 cars off the road for one year.

“Our new Voluntary RNG Program gives Enbridge Gas customers an easy and affordable way to help green their natural gas supply,” said Cynthia Hansen, executive vice president. “This program is one way Enbridge Gas is investing in clean energy solutions across multiple markets that improve energy efficiency and lower emissions as we transition to a clean energy future.”

Encouraging investments and innovative clean, renewable energy programs are part of the Ontario government’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Canada meet its 2030 target.

“Walker Industries and Comcor Environmental are proud to partner with Enbridge to construct the largest renewable natural gas plant in Ontario,” said Geordie Walker, president and CEO of Walker Industries. “The Niagara RNG facility will contribute to a sustainable future by transforming landfill waste into clean energy, generating enough power to heat 8,750 homes every year while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 48,000 tonnes.”

As part of the government’s work to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from methane released from food and organics in landfills, the province also recently proposed amendments to the Food and Organic Waste Policy Statement.

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