Final agreements will let Ajax Steam Plant redevelopment begin

May 11, 2011

The Town of Ajax and Index Energy have now signed off on the agreements necessary to allow the redevelopment of the Steam Plant to begin.

“This is a significant step in cleaning up our air as well as bringing efficiently-delivered energy to Ajax through a modernized facility,” said Mayor Steve Parish. “I’m pleased that with these agreements in place, Index Energy can proceed with the work we have all been anxious to see begin.”

The finalized agreements, along with an Amended Certificate of Approval issued by the Ministry of Environment, mean Index Energy can proceed with cleaning up and redeveloping the facility. This includes strict new emission controls, new combustion equipment, an enclosed fuel storage area, a new building and site improvements. The redeveloped facility will generate enough energy to power 6,000 households annually and will produce and distribute steam and hot and cold water.

In January, Town Council gave the go-ahead to reach agreements on the sale of a piece of Town land needed for the redevelopment as well as finalizing the steam distribution license and approving the site plan.

With all agreements in place, work is expected to start on the facility within six months. Within two to three years, all external work and redevelopment to the site and building is anticipated to be complete with the facility producing 18 megawatts of clean energy. In three to six years, all remaining internal work will be complete to reach the 25 megawatt level.

A major improvement will be new, higher-level technology to control emissions. Burning clean wood biomass as fuel is considered carbon neutral and will reduce greenhouse gases by substituting a renewable resource for other fuels like natural gas.

Source: website Town of Ajax: http://www.ajax.ca/en/NewsModule/index.aspx?deptId=bo6nULIBPlUsrWLl48HsbkIdQeQuAleQuAl&newsId=oCrOB3pPxJXMxtS5SeHxUQeQuAleQuAl