Ford Government “Welcomes Construction of Largest Renewable Natural Gas Plant in the Province and New Program for Enbridge Customers”
“Innovative Niagara facility will transform landfill waste into clean, affordable energy and Create Jobs”
News from the Government of Ontario
Posted October 7th, 2020 on Niagara At Large
NIAGARA FALLS — Ontario will soon be home to a new renewable natural gas (RNG) facility, which will create local jobs, stimulate regional economic development, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.
The Niagara Falls Renewable Natural Gas plant will be the largest of its kind in Ontario and 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.
Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Bill Walker, Associate Minister of Energy, joined representatives from Enbridge and Walker Industries in Niagara Falls this October 7th to formally announce the $42 million facility.
“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 Minister Yurek.
“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 Niagara facility will transform landfill waste into clean energy. This is achieved by capturing biogas generated by decomposing organic waste and transform it into renewable natural gas.
“Our government is committed to fostering job creation and innovation in Ontario’s energy sector, and this investment in clean energy shows that our commitment is working,” said Associate Minister Walker. “I am pleased to see that our government has created the conditions for exciting projects like Enbridge and Walker Industries’ renewable natural gas project to move forward.”
Geordie Walker, President and CEO of Walker Industries
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has also approved an application from Enbridge Gas 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 & President, Gas Distribution & Storage. “This program is just 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.
QUICK FACTS
The Niagara Renewable Natural Gas Facility investment will employ approximately 50 people during construction, 2-3 new full-time skilled jobs once operational, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
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. These amendments would help divert and reduce food and organic waste from households and businesses by clarifying and expanding the types of materials that should be collected by municipalities in green bins, as well as support innovation in compostable products and packaging.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read the Ford Government’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.
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