Cedarline Greenhouse Cogeneration Unit – Plants and Power

Dresden, Ontario, Canada

Status

In Operation

Year

2020

Owned Capacity

5 MW

Privately Owned / Operated

100/100 %

Natural Gas

Cedarline Greenhouse Cogeneration Unit (CGCU) is a 5 MW natural gas fueled facility located on approximately 50 acres of agricultural land in Dresden, Ontario. The Cedarline Greenhouse was established in 2003 and has ~15 acres of greenhouse production currently with further expansion expected for an additional 30 acres. CGCU is fully contracted with the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) until 2040.

The Dresden facility is ideally situated to provide additional power generation to support for regional growth and economic development.

Quick Facts

  • 5 MW facility began operations in 2020 providing power to Ontario’s grid.
  • Interconnection at Hydro One M1 feeder through the Wallaceburg transfer station.
  • Equipped with modern emission controls that meet all applicable federal and provincial air quality standards.
  • The existing and planned cogeneration unit combines plants with power as more than 80% of the waste heat produced from the cogeneration unit is utilized by the greenhouse operation. 
  • Exploring options for the site that will add significantly more power generation capacity installed within the current footprint of the joint cogeneration and greenhouse facility.
  • A new energy project is being explored for the western edge of the site.

Proposed Energy Project to Meet Regional Needs

Cedarline Greenhouses is proposing a new energy project for the CGCC, which is located at 11080 Base Line, Dresden, Ontario N0P 1M0.

The project is in response to the call for new power generation and capacity being administered by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”). If we are successful in this process, the new project would be built within the existing footprint of the CGCC site and would consist of a new natural gas-fired generation unit of up to 12MW.

The CoGeneration Natural Gas Generation Unit

The IESO has indicated that natural gas generation remains an integral part of the generation mix and continues to be required to ensure grid reliability. Gas plants are often located near large population centres to support local power needs, avoiding the need for potentially expensive or disruptive transmission projects. A natural gas facility helps to facilitate renewable energy growth by providing a backstop to peak demand periods, especially when generation from intermittent producers, such as wind and solar energy facilities (e.g. when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining) are not producing. The proposed additional cogeneration plant at Cedarline would provide these characteristics, while also providing local energy support to economic growth in the region. The cost effective and reliable long duration energy supply provided by a new natural gas fueled generator, assist with the IESO demand requirements while also utilizing the waste heat efficiently with an existing and planned greenhouse operation.  Additionally, the CGCC would help attract new, large scale business ventures that bring significant employment and economic opportunities to the Southwestern Ontario region.

Helping meet Growing Electricity Needs – Locally and Regionally

In December 2021, the IESO released its Annual Planning Outlook (“APO”) which identified significant need for capacity at both the bulk system and regional levels. At the system level the IESO is projecting an increasing deficit of generation capacity starting in 2025. The primary causes for the estimated shortfall are 1) an increase in load growth; 2) lack of investment in new supply; and 3) retirement and refurbishment of Ontario’s nuclear fleet.

The need is greatest in the GTA area, and in the Southwestern Ontario region West of London. The deficit, with the assumption that all existing generators remain in operation and are available, reaches 5,000 MW by around 2035 and almost 10,000 MW around 2042.

Provincial and Local Regulatory Approvals Required

In addition to approvals from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, additional approvals will be required from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (“MECP”). Public consultation activities would be undertaken as part of these regulatory processes.

Virtual Public Community Meeting – Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 1pm EST.

Cedarline Greenhouses are committed to receiving input and feedback on this project. We hold a virtual public meeting via the internet on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. *Note – meeting minutes will be posted after the meeting
Download: Company CoGeneration Project Presentation 
Download: Project Community Engagement Plan
Download: Project Meeting Minutes

If you wish to receive a calendar invitation to this meeting, please contact us at office@cedarline.ca or 1-519-683-1980.

Project Overview

  • Proposed Generation Technology:
    • A natural-gas fired unit 
  • Status: Proposed
  • Location: Cedarline Greenhouse Cogeneration Unit: 11080 Baseline, Dresden, Ontario N0P 1M0
  • Capacity:
    • Natural-gas fired unit: up to 12MWs
  • Anticipated operational date: May 2025

Community Investment

At Cedarline Greenhouses, we pride ourselves on a people-first approach which contributes to the ability to produce the best quality product possible. Cedarline Greenhouses contribute to the communities in which we live with the aim of building a sustainable future for all. We engage our neighbours, consider their interests and build real relationships. We aim to source supplies and services locally for our operations, as well as hire from the community. At Cedarline Greenhouses in Dresden, Ontario:

  • Pay approximately $30,000 in property tax each year, contributing annually to community tax bases, supporting the improvement of infrastructure, roadways, and community services.
  • Employs approximately 30 full-time employees annually and the consolidated business which Cedarline Greenhouses rolls up into employs approximately 300 full-time employees.

Site Contact

Phone: 1-519-683-1980
Email: office@cedarline.ca