Greenhouse Canada

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Greenhouse to tap ethanol plant for heat, carbon dioxide

December 7, 2012  By Brandi Cowen


On Dec. 6, Minister Ted McMeekin announced Ontario's support of an innovative Chatham-Kent project that will create jobs, strengthen the local economy and help the environment.

Cedarline Greenhouses will use surplus heat and carbon dioxide from a local ethanol plant to produce up to 21 million kilograms of Ontario grown tomatoes.

The partnership – a first in North America – is expected to lower the greenhouse’s heating costs by 40 per cent and increase tomato production by five per cent.

 

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“We are excited to be partnering with Cedarline Greenhouses for a project that will reduce operating costs and strengthen the competitiveness of the greenhouses,” said Ken Field, founder and chairman of Greenfield Ethanol. “This truly is an environmentally sustainable way to produce high-quality products for the consumer year round.”

 

The provincial government will contribute $3.2 million to the $65 million project, which is expected to create up to 90 jobs, strengthen the local economy and help the environment.

 

“This investment supports innovation in Ontario’s agri-food and agri-products industries and brings skilled jobs to Chatham-Kent. This project is a great example of how agriculture is growing Ontario’s future,” said Tom McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

 

McMeekin was on hand for an official groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 6 in Chatham, Ont.

 

To watch a video from the announcement, click here.


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