Ontario Construction News staff writer
Peel Region has received two significant grants worth $5.19 million from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) through the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program. These grants will fund energy recovery and conservation initiatives at the G.E. Booth and Clarkson Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs).
Peel Regional Chair and CEO Nando Iannicca expressed appreciation for the support, stating, “These grants align with Peel’s goal of fostering healthy, safe, and connected communities while advancing environmentally and financially sustainable programs.”
The G.E. Booth WRRF will receive $2.39 million to upgrade its aeration blowers and implement an energy-efficient Ammonia-Based Aeration Control (ABAC) system. This project is expected to save 12,000 MWh of electricity annually, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 456 tonnes, and save $1.3 million in electricity costs each year.
Meanwhile, the Clarkson WRRF will benefit from a $2.8 million grant to support a cogeneration (cogen) project that captures energy from waste gas, as well as an ABAC system upgrade. The project is projected to save 14,165 MWh annually, reduce GHG emissions by 538 tonnes, and save $1.8 million in electricity costs each year.
Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, stressed the importance of the grants: “These upgrades reflect our government’s commitment to affordability, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. This will benefit Peel families, save millions, and help attract investment while creating jobs.”
Both projects are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Kealy Dedman, Commissioner of Public Works, underscored the significance of the initiatives: “The G.E. Booth and Clarkson WRRFs are vital to Peel Region’s infrastructure. These energy recovery and conservation grants will reduce future GHG emissions, reinforcing Peel’s role as a leader in climate action.”
