Greenhouse Power Generation Plant in Ontario Offers Enough Energy to Power 12,000-15,000 Homes Annually-


Recently, GE began the first-ever North American greenhouse co-generation plant in southern Ontario, which was installed to produce more dependable on-site power and heat for commercial greenhouses and aid the country in cutting down emissions. Powered by four GE Energy’s Jenbacher gas engine co-generation models, the power plant is highly efficient with proprietary CO2 treatment processes that recycle carbon emissions to utilize as a dedicated fertilizer which increases greenhouse crop harvest. The venture was among 7 natural gas fueled, combined heat and power (CHP) projects approved by the Ontario Power Authority to demonstrate how progressive co-generation could aid engineering plants to become self-sufficient, develop grid efficiency and sustain Canada’s renewable energy goals. Great Northern Hydroponics, a Soave Enterprises entity, erected the 12 megawatt producing commercial greenhouse power plant at Soave’s extensive 55-acre property in Kingsville, Ontario. Since CHP facilities have the capability to produce energy more efficiently than other systems that manufacture electrical and thermal power, less fuel is required to generate the same amount of energy; making these projects extremely lucrative in the fight for clean air standards.

“Our inaugural greenhouse co-generation project was made possible because of Ontario’s commitment to energy efficiency and initiatives to add significant amounts of energy from co-generation to the provincial power grid,” said Guido van het Hof, president of Great Northern Hydroponics. The pioneering CO2 co-generation and fertilizer system was designed by GE Energy’s Jenbacher gas engine enterprise, which manages an international horticulture center in The Netherlands. The CHP Ontario greenhouse power plant is comprised of heat recovery and exhaust treatment systems, four ecomagination-certified JMS 620 Jenbacher gas engines, as well as noise reduction and system controls. “GE is pleased that its special Jenbacher greenhouse cogeneration technology is supporting Soave Hydroponics’ and the Ontario government’s goals to increase local energy efficiency and energy reliability in support of Canada’s anti-climate change initiatives,” said Roger George, general manager for GE’s Jenbacher gas engine business in North America. “Facilitating additional cogeneration projects in the greenhouse industry will support new sustainable energy, environment and employment opportunities throughout this multi-billion dollar industry.” Excess energy produced from the greenhouse power generation facility will be sold to the local grid under a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Ontario Power Authority. Presently, the plant is projected to provide enough electricity to Ontario’s transmission grid to power 12,000-15,000 Canadian homes every year.