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This release is available in French.
OTTAWA -- Waste pressure from natural gas pipelines may be the answer to providing the next generation of clean power for Canadian cities. The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $785,000 for Enbridge Gas Distribution to launch a project using a fuel-cell and gas expansion turbine plant in Toronto. Minister Lunn made the announcement at an international energy conference hosted by the Canadian Gas Association.
The Pipeline to Ultra-Clean Generation project converts waste pressure from natural gas pipelines to power a turbine, creating clean electricity. A fuel cell works in combination with the turbine to generate additional power with near-zero polluting emissions.
“This plant is the first of its kind in the world,” said Minister Lunn. “Our Government is proud to support companies like Enbridge that are developing cleaner energy technologies that will benefit the environment, protect the health of Canadians and build a clean-energy economy.”
The new funding will support the addition of a 1.2-megawatt fuel cell to the plant, bringing the total Government contribution to almost $2 million since the beginning of the project.
“This is a prime example of how high-efficiency, near-zero-emissions technologies can play a meaningful role in meeting clean air and climate change objectives,” said Jim Schultz, Enbridge Senior Vice-President, New Ventures. “Enbridge is a leader in the North American energy market, and we are excited to work with FuelCell Energy Inc. and our other vendor partners to commercialize this new innovative fuel-cell plant, and to ensure gas utilities are part of the environmental solution for our society.”
As the first utility to demonstrate this hybrid fuel-cell technology, Enbridge Gas Distribution is demonstrating leadership in embracing alternative-energy technologies.
“This hybrid fuel cell will provide much needed electricity generation in the communities we serve, and this electricity will have a very low environmental impact. We're excited about the prospect of using this new technology that operates without the combustion of fuel. Across our largely urban franchise, future installations will allow Enbridge to provide low-impact electricity to Ontario’s grid as by-product of our daily pipeline operations,” said Enbridge Gas Distribution President Al Monaco.
This project helps advance the Government’s commitment to developing knowledge, innovation and productivity in the natural resources sectors — giving Canadians the advantage to succeed.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a contribution of $785,000 for Enbridge Gas Distribution to launch a project that converts waste pressure from gas pipelines into clean electricity. The fuel-cell and gas expansion turbine plant is the first of its kind in the world and will operate in Toronto.
Media may contact:
Kathleen Olson
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Debbie Boukydis
Director, Public and Government Affairs
Enbridge Gas Distribution
416-495-5682
The general public may contact:
Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:30 EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
The following media backgrounder is available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media
Pipeline to Ultra-Clean Generation Project