Powerbase Energy to commercialize waste-to-energy technology

The funding, allotted over a three year period, will help Powerbase Energy train employees, and cover the cost of equipment and other eligible expenses related to the commercialization of its 250 kilowatt (kW) modular power-generating units that convert agricultural waste into energy.

"We are very pleased to have the financial support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for the rollout of our Synergy Biogas product line. We are creating jobs locally and economic opportunities for farmers with renewable energy technology," said Rob Morley, president of Powerbase Energy.

The companyÂ’s Synergy BioPower System involves a two-part process that transforms livestock and crushed oilseed waste into heat and electricity. Each modular system is capable of generating enough electricity to supply the electrical requirements of 200 homes. Each system also produces approximately 1 million British thermal units of heat energy per hour, which can be captured and utilized for a variety of on-farm applications. Excess electricity can also be sold to the Ontario power grid.

Commercialization of the Synergy BioPower Systems will provide farmers with additional income through the sale of surplus power to the Ontario power grid and will help reduce or eliminate their electricity costs. In addition to energy savings, other benefits include reducing greenhouse gases, manure odors and other pathogens in the environment, and simplifying the manure handling process.

The compact Synergy BioPower System is manufactured in a factory and shipped to customers as a finished product to be commissioned and coupled with a Powerbase Energy designed and constructed anaerobic digester, according to David Robinson, manager of sales and marketing at Powerbase Energy. The company is also in the process of developing bio-oil produced from seed and bean crushing equipment.

The $480,500 investment falls under Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaÂ’s Agri-Opportunities Program, a $134 million five-year program aimed at increasing market opportunities for the Canadian agriculture industry.