Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre Cogeneration Field Test

The Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre currently uses the biogas generated from wastewater treatment as boiler fuel to heat on-site processes and buildings. With a capacity to use only 40 per cent of the biogas, however, over 60 per cent is flared and wasted. In this field test - the first of its kind at a wastewater treatment plant in British Columbia - the feasibility of using 100 per cent of the biogas extracted from the treatment process to cogenerate heat and electricity for internal use will be investigated. The field test includes a desktop comparison of internal combustion engines and microturbine technologies to determine the best option for a small- to medium-sized wastewater treatment plant. Following the desktop comparison, two engines from the selected technology will be used to produce 100 KW of electricity on a daily basis. A full-scale system would likely satisfy 90 to 100 per cent of the current heating and electrical requirements for the plant. If the field test proves successful, the Regional District of Nanaimo intends to install a full-scale cogeneration system at its wastewater treatment plant. Installation of cogeneration units would include construction of ancillary systems (including digester gas and heat loop connections), and electrical tie-ins for generated power.