Biomass module for Centre in the Park
Strathcona County has received a grant from Western Economic Diversification Canada for $1.5 million to support a biomass module for the Centre in the Park community energy system. This project is the next step for the community energy system. The energy system was built to accomodate fuel switching as more economical or environmental fuel sources became available.
The biomass demonstration project being built for the Centre in the Park energy system will use agriculture residues (such as oat hulls) and wood waste (from the commercial and demolition sector) as a base-load fuel source. The system will use natural gas during peak seasons and as a back up fuel source. Biomass has been used as a fuel source for many years in Europe.
Take a look at how the biomass is processed
Benefits of biomass
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Biomass is a renewable resource and reduces our dependency on fossil fuels. It also reduces our reliance on volatile natural gas prices.
- Uses local agriculture residue fuel sources and regional wood waste fuel sources.
- This system has the potential to reduce greenhouse gases an additional 1,200 tonnes per year.
- Contributes to Strathcona County’s sustainable direction.
- Creates a healthier community and better quality of life for residents.
What will the system look like?
The system will be built on the east part of the Community Energy Centre property. There will be three compartments.
- a storage bin for the feedstocks
- the biomass combustion boiler module
- a chimney which will be approximately 9 metres (30 feet) tall (the chimney on the existing Community Energy Centre is approximately 13.5 metres (44 feet) tall)
The biomass system will release a more visible plume than what is currently released from the Community Energy Centre. The vapour goes through a series of filters before it is released. It will meet or exceed regulations for air quality standards.
The plume will consist mostly of water vapour. There will be a small quantity of gases normally found in combustion processes including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and trace amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Will there be a smell?
You shouldn’t notice any odour coming from the biomass module. The plume goes through several filters to minimize any odours and emissions. A house that has a wood burning fireplace with a fire burning would have a more noticeable smell.
How is the project being funded?
The majority of financial support for this project will come from grant funding.
Who is involved with this project?
This project is an excellent example of collaboration with a local industry association and institutional organizations including Resource Industry Suppliers Association (RISA) and Western Economic Diversification Canada.
This project is expected to provide small- and medium-sized companies the opportunity to supply chains related to the collection, processing and delivery of biomass fuels.
How long will you be testing out the biomass module?
It is estimated that the biomass module will be in operation by the fall of 2011. Testing will be conducted for two years with the hopes to continue if testing is successful. Over the two year demonstration period the fuel sources will be tested to determine which one produces the best results.
Further information
780-449-5514
scutilities@strathcona.ab.caLast updated: Monday, March 21, 2011
Page ID: 7398