Turning Residual Waste into Clean Energy in Canada
Canada is increasingly recognizing Energy‑from‑Waste (EfW) as a powerful and pragmatic addition to its evolving clean energy landscape. EfW technologies close gaps in waste management and contribute to renewable energy supply, positioning them as complements to low-carbon solutions.
Emerald Energy from Waste: Local Innovation with Broader Implications
Located in Brampton, Ontario, Emerald Energy from Waste has operated since 1992, making it the province’s longest-running EfW facility. Initially, we only generated electricity; however, as the facility evolved, with the upgrade to a two-stage turbine in 2021. This upgrade allowed us to produce both electricity and saturated steam. This upgrade enabled higher energy recovery, and we provide steam to power boilers at a local recycled paper mill.
With projections indicating Ontario landfills will reach capacity by 2035, Emerald’s site redevelopment plans aim to combat this issue through a facility expansion plan. The plant’s processing capacity will increase from 500 to 2,500 tonnes per day. This increase results in the energy output scaling up from 10 MW to 100 MW of electricity per year. Emerald’s expansion provides solutions for both waste disposal shortages and electricity generation needs, offering scalable, local clean energy solutions.
Emerald is also exploring a green hydrogen project, which has the potential to generate 500 kg of hydrogen each day. This hydrogen can displace the need for natural gas in operations, lower emissions, or serve as a clean fuel source for buses, trucks, or trains within 100 km of Brampton. Additionally, Emerald is investing in district heating systems to supply low-pressure steam to nearby buildings. This initiative further reduces reliance on natural gas, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
National Momentum: Scaling Up with Innovation and Policy Support
On the national stage, the federal government signed the Canada Growth Fund, which aims to process 200,000 tonnes of municipal waste annually near Edmonton, Alberta. The government hopes to capture carbon by using waste-to-energy processes. This project hopes to produce carbon-negative electricity and decrease emissions by treating waste as a resource. The fund guarantees up to $85 CA per tonne for carbon credits over 15 years and supports commissioning by 2027. This project perfectly demonstrates how EfW with integrated carbon capture can become a replicable and scalable component of Canada’s clean energy and waste management infrastructure.
How does EfW play a Role in a Clean Energy Future?
Energy from waste plays multiple strategic roles in Canada’s transition to clean energy. By diverting residual waste, EfW reduces landfill dependency and helps avoid methane emissions associated with landfill disposal. The process also provides clean, reliable energy and supports emerging clean energy sectors, like exploring hydrogen production and district heating. Additionally, by integrating carbon capture technologies within the EfW process, it supports the national Zero-Waste and circular economy goals. Energy from waste is not just about improving factors on the national level; it also fosters regional energy autonomy. With locally produced steam, electricity, and eventually hydrogen, it reduces dependence on external energy infrastructure and supports community-scale decarbonization.
The Future of Energy from Waste in Canada
To fully harness EfW’s potential, Canada must prioritize smart integration through strong policy frameworks that support carbon pricing, waste diversion, and clean-energy infrastructure. Additionally, public engagement and oversight must be a priority to ensure energy from waste complements the existing waste management hierarchy. EfW acts as a complement to recycling and organics diversion programs, rather than competing with them. The nation must also continue pushing innovative solutions in thermal technologies, emission controls, and product diversification. This push will maximize environmental and economic benefits.
Energy from Waste actively contributes to Canada’s energy future and enhances waste management systems. Combining local ingenuity, like Emerald Energy from Waste in Ontario, and national momentum through carbon-capture projects like the one in Edmonton, helps turn residual waste into a powerful tool for climate change and community resilience.
