Ontario Construction News staff writer
Peel Region has received two grants totaling $5.19 million from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) under the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program. These grants will fund energy recovery and energy conservation initiatives at the G.E. Booth and Clarkson Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs), advancing Peel’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
The G.E. Booth WRRF will receive $2.39 million to implement a series of upgrades, including the installation of new aeration blowers and the adoption of a more energy-efficient Ammonia-Based Aeration Control (ABAC) process. These enhancements are projected to save 12,000 MWh of electricity annually, which translates to a reduction of 456 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and annual electricity cost savings of approximately $1.3 million.
Meanwhile, the Clarkson WRRF will benefit from a $2.8 million grant to fund a cogeneration (cogen) project, which will capture and recover energy from waste gas. This facility will also implement an ABAC upgrade for the aeration system. Combined, these efforts are expected to save 14,165 MWh of electricity each year, cutting GHG emissions by 538 tonnes and reducing electricity costs by an estimated $1.8 million annually.
Both projects are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, and together, they will contribute to Peel Region’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency across its critical infrastructure.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the IESO in making these energy-saving initiatives possible,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “These upgrades reflect our government’s ongoing commitment to affordability by harnessing cutting-edge technology to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reinvest savings back into our communities. This is a win-win for Peel families, providing significant energy savings while also enhancing the region’s ability to attract new investments and create more jobs.”
These upgrades not only promise environmental benefits but will also strengthen Peel’s infrastructure, boosting its capacity to handle future growth and ensuring the region remains a competitive location for business and investment. The expected energy savings and reduced emissions contribute to the Ontario government’s larger sustainability goals, providing a model for other municipalities to follow in creating more resilient and energy-efficient communities.
