The Government of Canada is investing in a manufacturing facility that will boost the local economy by creating jobs and new markets for farmers. Member of Parliament Scott Reid (Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington) announced that the Government of Canada is contributing up to $480,500 in repayable funding to Powerbase Energy Systems Inc.
“This project will create jobs and boost farmers’ income by helping them turn waste into energy that they can both use and sell,” said MP Scott Reid, on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Today, farmers produce great food for our tables. Tomorrow, they will provide the energy to cook that food.”
This smart investment will help Powerbase Energy Systems Inc. create a new manufacturing facility to produce power-generating units that process waste into energy. The facility, located in Carleton Place, will create 10 direct and 15 indirect jobs and is expected to generate approximately $35.5 million in annual company revenue by 2013.
These renewable energy generation units will provide farmers with additional farming income through the sale of surplus power to the Ontario power grip and will reduce or eliminate their own electricity costs. In addition to energy savings, the benefits include the reduction of pathogens in the environment, manure odours, and greenhouse gases, as well as simplifying manure handling.
“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 Systems Inc.
“The biggest direct benefit to me will be the earned income from electrical sales,” says Doug Cleary, a local farmer planning to install a Synergy Biopower System that will process manure and restaurant waste. “Our neighbours will appreciate it and so will the restaurant industry as it will prevent both of these kinds of waste from damaging the environment.”
