Waterloo region adding cogeneration at three sewage treatment plants

Information panel on Region of Waterloo biogas-cogeneration process. Image: Region of Waterloo.

CH2M is the prime consultant on a project by the Region of Waterloo in southern Ontario to add cogeneration to three of its sewage treatment plants.

The cogeneration facilities will use the biogas given off from the treatment process to produce heat and electricity. The heat will be used to warm up sludge as part of the digestion process, and also to provide heat to the buildings. The electricity will be used to run the plants and is expected to offset their electrical demands between 30% to 60%.

Currently in the conceptual design phase, the project involves the wastewater treatment plants at Galt, Kitchener and Waterloo, which together produce approximately 13,000 to 20,000 cubic metres of biogas every day. The proposed additions will intercept the gas flow to the boilers and flare, which will be redirected to a generator. The expected output is 1,400 kilowatts.

At the Kitchener plant a membrane cover that will regulate the flow of the gas is already being added. The other two plants will regulate the gas flow by storing the gas under membranes.

The region is currently holding public information meetings about the project. It is also in the middle of the Renewable Energy Approval process, taking advantage of the Ontario government’s program to cover some of the capital costs of building cogeneration projects.