Date: April 13, 2006
Source: Canada Newswire
Oakville Hydro Corporation, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Halton, is pleased to announce that it will build a facility to generate electricity from landfill gas. "This empowering partnership is truly cause to celebrate", says Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale. "It is a win for the environment and the people of Oakville". "Partnering with Oakville Hydro is a real example of how Halton and its community partners are thinking outside of the box when it comes to waste management," said Halton Region Chairman Joyce Savoline. "Halton Region is proud to be part of a program that turns the by-product of waste into a resource that benefits the environment and ultimately the community."
A by-product of decomposing refuse, landfill gas is an environmental pollutant and a potent contributor to global warming. It is composed of approximately 50% methane, which is the main ingredient of Natural Gas. The landfill gas will be collected, "scrubbed" and used as fuel for internal combustion engines that will drive electrical generators feeding the provincial power grid. The landfill operation is expected to produce enough gas to generate electricity for over 20 years. "This is a proven and reliable technology that will allow Oakville Hydro to convert a harmful pollutant into a source of renewable energy", said Alex Bystrin, President and CEO of Oakville Hydro Corporation. "This project is an important demonstration of sustainable development, producing both local and province-wide benefits. We will reduce landfill odour and environmental pollution, cut down on the amount of electricity lost in the transmission grid and lessen our reliance on coal- fired power plants."
"We would like to express our sincere thanks to our partners, the Regional Municipality of Halton, whose investment in the gas collection system made this project possible, and to the provincial government whose recent announcement of the Standard Offer Program made the undertaking feasible," said John Bobyk, Chairman of the Board of Oakville Hydro Corporation.
"When completed before the end of 2007, this facility will generate two- megawatts of power, which is enough electricity to supply 800 to 1,000 homes for over 20 years," said Jose Menendez, Oakville Hydro's General Manager of Construction and Generation.
The plant will be located at the Halton Waste Management site, which is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Halton, a partner in the undertaking. The complete landfill gas utilization facility including operation and maintenance services will be provided by DDA Canada East, the distributor for GE Jenbacher gas engines in Eastern Canada.
Mr. A. Bystrin, phone: (905) 825-4470, email: abystrin@oakvillehydro.com.
For more information contact Mr. A. Bystrin, 905.825.4470, email abystrin@oakvillehydro.com, or visit: www.oakvillehydro.com.
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