One of the first renewable natural gas (RNG) plants in Canada is now open and fully operational in Blenheim.
The new $100-million plant, built by Waste Connections with the support of Enbridge Gas at the Ridge Landfill, was fully commissioned and went online in November.
It captures landfill gas generated by decomposing waste and transforms it into carbon-neutral renewable natural gas which is then injected into the natural gas distribution system to supply gas to over 18,000 homes (about 40 per cent of Chatham-Kent) and businesses.
Cathy Smith, RNG Ridge Landfill Project Manager, told CK News Today that the project was on budget, but a stubborn motor delayed it a bit.
"We ran into some issues, which are kind of unusual, during commissioning with a motor that was giving us major heartburn, but we got that resolved. So, it was a bit delayed, but we're there now," said Smith.
Smith said the plant has been running smoothly over the past seven months.
"It's been running really well. We just got some stats on that this week. We're now running at 98 per cent up time (fully operational), which is incredible," Smith noted.
The facility removes oxygen, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and any other compounds necessary in order to inject clean gas into the pipeline.
It also offsets greenhouse gas emissions by more than 110,000 tonnes per year to help Ontario reach its 2030 climate change goals.
A party to celebrate the plant's opening and Red Barn's sixth anniversary will be held at Red Barn Brewing in Blenheim on Tuesday. Red Barn co-owner Denny Vervaet said the doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are on sale.
