Energy Recovery
For every metric tonne diverted from landfill, you save:
KW of electricity
Tonnes of Carbon Offset Credits
Cubic Metres of Landfill Space Saved
Beyond Electricity: Energy Recovery from Waste to Power Ontario
Emerald Energy from Waste is more than just a facility; it’s an energy recovery hub designed to serve Ontario’s growing communities and sustainability goals. By generating clean electricity, exporting sustainable steam, and exploring the production of green hydrogen and district heat, we recover energy from non-hazardous waste to create tangible value right here in our community.
Electricity Generation: A Proven Track Record, Upgraded For The Future
Since its opening in 1992, Emerald Energy from Waste has employed thermal waste recovery to generate electricity, initially using a single-stage turbine to power our site and contribute excess electricity to the provincial grid.
In 2021, we upgraded to a two-stage turbine, which significantly enhanced our energy recovery efficiency. Today, this modern turbine produces both electricity and saturated steam, allowing us to maximize energy output from each tonne of processed waste.
Steam Export: Industrial Symbiosis in Action
In 2008, Emerald Energy from Waste constructed a closed-loop steam pipeline to deliver clean, saturated steam directly to a nearby paper mill that recycles paper. This partnership eliminated the need for a gas or coal-fired boiler at the mill and reduced natural gas consumption by over 150,000 tonnes for every year of paper processed.
The system includes:
Above-ground pipe bridge crossing our site
Subterranean infrastructure beneath Bramalea Road
Seven underground vaults for maintenance and thermal expansion management
Spent steam (condensate) is returned to Emerald Energy from Waste and reused in our energy recovery cycle, demonstrating a closed-loop model of resource efficiency and industrial collaboration.
Green Hydrogen
Energy Recovery Pilot Under Development
Emerald Energy from Waste is exploring a pilot project for hydrogen production, utilizing surplus electricity to generate up to 500 kg of electrolytic hydrogen each day. This clean fuel offers significant benefits:
Decarbonization: Displaces natural gas in facility operations
Air Quality: Reduces nitrogen oxide emissions via oxygen reuse
Transportation: Powers fuel cell vehicles (buses, trains) within a 100 km delivery radius
Transitional Use: As a diesel supplement, hydrogen improves fuel efficiency and cuts soot emissions
Direct Heating
Energy Recovery Opportunity in Planning Stage
We are also assessing the feasibility of district heating solutions in the Bramalea Road and Highway 407 corridor. This would utilize low-pressure steam from our facility to provide heat:
Commercial properties
Industrial facilities
Large residential buildings
District heating offers an efficient and scalable alternative to natural gas for heating, featuring zero on-site combustion for end users.
We encourage local developers and property managers to reach out to us regarding the creation of a greener energy district.
Energy Recovery That Works for Ontario
Emerald Energy from Waste delivers science-driven energy solutions that uplift our communities, strengthen local industry, and reduce environmental impact. Whether it’s providing electricity to the grid, steam to industry, or paving the way for green hydrogen, we always stay true to three guiding principles:
Reduce landfill dependency
Generate clean, reliable energy
Support Ontario’s circular economy and climate targets
Why Send It to Landfill When It Can Power the Grid?
Energy from Waste is not a theory. It is a proven technology that helps industrial, commercial, institutional, and municipal organizations manage residual waste responsibly and meet sustainability mandates.
