Generating Methane from Municipal Waste for District Energy
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Waste
Project value$120,000
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
MSW to Energy
Grant amount$60,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Toronto, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
2,794,356
Project timeline
2002 - 2009
Project number
1912
Description
If Toronto is to meet its goals to divert 50 per cent of its waste from landfill, reduce greenhouse gases by 20 per cent andprocure 25 per cent of its power from green energy sources, it must divert organic waste from landfill sites. If the citycould capture the methane produced when the organic waste decomposes, Toronto could meet its policy targets. Thisstudy will examine the feasibility of building a cogeneration plant at the site of the Dufferin Transfer Station, where asmall biogas facility will process mixed waste and organic material. In partnership with Enwave District EnergyCorporation, the city will also examine the possibility of linking these facilities to Enwave's district energy system. Biogascould be burned directly to supply downtown district heating or used in a cogeneration facility to produce both electricityand heat. If successful, this project would reduce carbon dioxide released from landfills, reduce emissions thatcontribute to smog, displace natural gas and provide revenues from green power cooling and heating, as well ascompost.
Applicant
City of Toronto, ON