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More clean energy being produced in Ontario

Two facilities that turn waste into emissions-free electricity became the first larger-scale projects under Ontario's Feed-in Tariff (FIT)program to supply power to Ontario's electricity system today, according to the Government of Ontario.

“These projects symbolize what can be accomplished when governments and individuals work together on a shared vision for a better future,” said Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Brad Duguid. “We look forward to seeing more of these projects, which will clean up our air, create jobs and make Ontario a destination of choice for renewable energy development.”

The two projects are located in eastern Ontario. One is a 6.4-MW landfill gas facility in Ottawa. The other is a 500-kilowatt biogas facility located on a dairy farm in Seeley's Bay, about 35km from Kingston.

“This is a significant milestone for the FIT program and another major step in our strategy to create a clean, reliable electricity system,” said Colin Andersen CEOfficer of the Ontario Power Authority.

In March and April, the Ontario Power Authority announced contracts for 694 mid- and large-size FIT projects, which could generate more than 2,500 MW—enough electricity to power 600,000 homes. The operating dates for these projects vary but most of them will be generating electricity within three years. Approximately 200 projects are expected to be in service within a year.

The landfill gas-to-energy facility is owned and operated by Waste Management of Canada Corporation. The facility will collect landfill gas and convert it into green, renewable energy. The facility will be able to generate over 6 MW of electricity, enough energy to power 6,000 homes for a year.

“This landfill gas-to-energy facility is a win-win project for the community and Waste Management's landfill,” says Remi Godin, market area gas operations manager for Eastern Canada. “The community benefits from the environmental benefits, and Waste Management will be able to turn a once-wasted commodity into a valuable energy resource.”

Ledgecroft Farms is a family dairy farm that has been operating for over 30 years. The biogas facility will process the manure from the farm's 500 Holstein cows and use it to generate clean electricity. The facility will generate 500 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 400 homes.

Ontario's FIT program has allowed Ledgecroft Farms to complement its dairy business with a clean, renewable energy project.

“There are no two systems more compatible than a dairy farm and biogas system,” said Jennifer Green, part owner of Ledgecroft Farms. “The inputs of one become a fuel source for the other, which in turn provides immeasurable environmental benefits and improvements to our land, water and air. We are excited to be on the leading edge of Ontario's green energy movement.”

Since 2003, about 1,300 MW of renewable generation has come online in Ontario. This generation will produce enough electricity to power more than 300,000 homes—or a city the size of Windsor. Ontario is Canada's leader in wind power and solar photovoltaic capacity. The province is home to both Canada's largest wind and solar farms.

May 8, 2010  By Newswire