COGENERATION:

Also called combined heat and power (CHP), is the use of a reciprocating engine to generate electricity and produce useful heat at the same time. At St. David’s Hydroponics Ltd, cogeneration will have 3 very important uses.

1) PRODUCE ELECTRICITY FOR THE GRID

2) PROVIDE HEAT FOR OUR GREENHOUSES

3) A SOURCE OF CO2 FOR PLANT FERTILIZATION

WHY COGENERATION:

As per IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator):
“After more than a decade of strong supply, Ontario is entering a period of emerging electricity system needs, driven by increasing demand, the retirement of the Pickering nuclear plant, the refurbishment of other nuclear generating units, as well as expiring contracts for existing facilities. Recognizing the necessity to address these needs in a timely, cost-effective and flexible manner, the IESO has engaged with stakeholders in the development of a resource adequacy framework. As Ontario’s electricity system evolves to become more diverse and dynamic, procurement processes must evolve along with it. The resource adequacy framework published on the IESO’s website targets robust competitive processes that focus on cost-effective reliability, while more effectively balancing ratepayer and supplier risk in this changing environment.”

At St. David’s Hydroponics Ltd, Lincoln, participating in IESO enables us to off-set energy costs and help the environment, all while delivering 10 megawatts of energy back to the Ontario power grid, to power 10,000 Canadian homes.

PLANNING TIMELINE:

In 2026 we plan on installing 3 gas-powered GE-Jenbacher engines. This system also includes heat recovery, exhaust treatment, and noise abatement technologies. This system will create:
1)    Electricity-Each of the three 20-cylinder engines generates 3.3 Megawatts of electricity, which is directed to the power grid.
2)    Heat produced by the boilers and Cogen engine cooling system will help to heat our greenhouses in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.
3)    CO2-A manifold system collects carbon dioxide from the engines and boilers, preparing it to help fertilize the crops in the greenhouse.