The Region of Waterloo is using innovative green technology to deliver a significant project in alignment with its environmental stewardship goals for the environment and climate action. Waterloo’s Cogeneration Facilities capture 100 per cent of its biogas and convert it to green energy to power the plant’s electricity and heating needs—saving approximately $1.5 million per year in utility costs. In return, they will also reduce approximately 1,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The project started in 2016, when the Region of Waterloo was in the process of updating their Biosolids Strategy which looked at long term sustainable solutions for managing the solids generated at thirteen wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). “Biogas is the end product from this solids treatment process,” says Pam Law, Manager, Engineering and Planning at Region of Waterloo. “At the time this biogas was used onsite in boilers to produce heat for plant processes as well as buildings on site. When heating was not required, the biogas was flared off. The Region identified that there must be a way to use this renewable resource more effectively”. 77 APR 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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