Home / Environment / Ottawa Wastewater Plant Gets $30M Power Boost
Ottawa Wastewater Plant Gets $30M Power Boost
25 Aug
Summary
- Federal government provides $30.56 million for ROPEC electrical system upgrade.
- Upgrades include doubling co-generation capacity and adding backup diesel power.
- Enhancements ensure continuous operation during power outages and climate events.
Ottawa's main wastewater treatment plant, the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC), is set to receive essential electrical system upgrades following the announcement of substantial federal funding. The federal government is contributing $30,560,000 towards this vital project.
This funding will be used to enhance the plant's reliability by doubling its co-generation capacity, a process that utilizes wastewater gases for power and heat. Additionally, a backup diesel generation station will be installed.
These upgrades are critical for maintaining operational integrity during power outages. Previously, prolonged outages would lead to a significant degradation in the quality of treated water pumped into the Ottawa River.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe highlighted that the enhancements will also bolster the facility's resilience against extreme weather events, a growing concern due to climate change. The federal funds are allocated through the Build Communities Strong Fund, supporting infrastructure projects nationwide.
The new co-generation facility is anticipated to be operational by 2031, with the backup diesel generation station coming online in 2029.
