(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Clean Energy

P.A. council still looking into possible ‘Waste to Energy’ project

Oct 5, 2021 | 12:00 PM

The proposed ‘Waste to Energy Facility’ project being discussed by the City of Prince Albert is still alive for now.

Council met yesterday for an executive committee meeting where they voted in favour of continuing to look at options for turning a big chunk of the landfill to alternative energy sources.

The city’s administration wasn’t keen with the proposed project from VDQ-NRG Systems Inc. over financial concerns.

Specifically, they were uneasy about using fees at the landfill to cover the company’s cost.

“We take the only operation in the city of Prince Albert that makes money, and it now becomes a losing operation…this would be a not-a-win situation,” said Wes Hicks, director of Public Works for P.A.

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They also brought up concerns over a $2.5 million deposit needed for the project.

However, James Kernaghan, the vice president of sales for VDQ-NRG Systems Inc., said they don’t plan on making any such request.

“It is what we asked another city for almost a year and a half ago because we had different financial arrangements at that point in time.”

If approved, their project would take around 95 per cent of the waste in the landfill and convert it into electricity clean diesel.

The facility would also add 25 full-time jobs to the community and be operational by 2023.

It’s expected to cost around $60 million with VDQ-NRG Systems Inc. planning to cover the entire bill.

Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick said whether they move forward with this company or not, they shouldn’t stop looking into the idea.

“I don’t know if it’s possible. As I said I’m not a science guy, but we shouldn’t close the door on that. Our landfill fills up extremely quick,” he said.

“We need to take a stand on particular issues and, in this case, hopefully reduce our garbage at the landfill.”

The current $6 million cell at the landfill, approved earlier this year, is expected to last around 20 years.

Ogrodnick is concerned that may not be true as the last cell filled up well before it’s expected expiration date.

A report is expected to come back to P.A.’s council in 90 days.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow