Ontario faces an energy and landfill crisis, where power demands grow and landfill capacity shrinks. Waste to energy (WtE) facilities like Emerald Energy from Waste play a unique role in solving both problems at once. By diverting waste from landfills and converting it into reliable, low-carbon energy, Emerald supports Ontario’s renewable energy goals and reduces landfill dependency.
Turning Waste Into a Local Energy Source
At Emerald, we convert non-recyclable, non-hazardous waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. This material is converted into electricity, steam, and, eventually, hydrogen fuel. This process ensures that the energy potential in waste is not lost. Unlike landfills, which generate methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO₂, WtE extracts value from waste while avoiding long-term climate impacts. Emerald contributes a stable, local supply of power to Ontario’s grid, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. Once the redevelopment project is completed, the facility will generate up to 100 megawatts (MW), which is sufficient to power 60,000 average homes annually.
A Carbon Advantage Over Landfills and Fossil Fuels
Energy from waste is recognized for its benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Emerald’s Environmental Screening Report includes studies that show thermal treatment of waste produces up to five times fewer greenhouse gas emissions than sending waste to landfills. Additionally, approximately half of the carbon released from EfW is biogenic, meaning it originates from materials such as food scraps and paper. These materials do not add to net atmospheric CO₂ levels. When measured against traditional fossil fuel generation, Emerald’s projected carbon intensity per kilowatt-hour is expected to be at or below that of natural gas and far below that of coal. This positions energy from waste as a complementary solution in Ontario’s transition to a lower-carbon grid.
Supporting Grid Reliability and Flexibility
Unlike some renewable sources that depend on weather, WtE provides steady, baseload power. Emerald can operate continuously, making them a dependable partner to other renewable energy sources like wind or solar. This reliability helps balance Ontario’s energy mix while ensuring the grid remains stable as more renewable sources become available. By supplying both electricity and industrial steam, Emerald also supports local businesses and reduces reliance on natural gas heating.
Closing the Loop in Ontario’s Circular Economy
EfW also advances the province’s waste diversion and circular economy goals. Emerald only processes post-recycling material, waste that cannot be reused or recovered for technical or economic reasons. By recovering energy from the residual waste, the facility ensures that Ontario extracts value from waste while extending landfill life. Future innovations, including carbon capture and hydrogen production, could further enhance EfW’s contribution to renewable energy targets and climate goals.
The Bottom Line
EfW provides Ontario with clean energy and sustainable waste management solutions. The process keeps garbage out of landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and delivers reliable, low-carbon power. With projects like Emerald Energy from waste leading the way, EfW is proving to be a key ally in helping Ontario meet its renewable energy and climate goals.
