This release is available in French.
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SAINT-ÉTIENNE-DES-GRÈS — The official opening of a new environmentally-friendly greenhouse of Les Serres du Saint-Laurent was done by Jacques Gourdes, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, on behalf the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Gary Lunn.
The new greenhouse, which is being heated by renewable energy from landfill gas, is now growing Savoura tomatoes for consumers. The Government of Canada contributed $4 million to the project for an underground pipeline, a compression station and a water supply for the greenhouse.
Mr. Gourdes was accompanied by Mrs. Julie Boulet, Quebec’s Minister of Transport.
“Transforming waste into renewable energy to grow tomatoes — now that’s a sustainable solution,” said Mr. Gourdes. “This project clearly demonstrates our Government’s commitment to protecting the environment by supporting the use of clean energy.”
The renewable energy network, constructed in Saint Étienne des Grès on the sanitary landfill site held by the Régie de gestion des matières résiduelles de la Mauricie, will use clean energy to power a new, $18-million greenhouse complex covering five hectares.
The energy is supplied by biomethane, which is generated by the decomposition of organic waste in sanitary landfill sites. This biomethane-capture project will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to about 56,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
The Government of Canada’s ecoACTIONplan is investing more than $3.6 billion through its ecoENERGY initiatives to make clean energy more available and more affordable for Canadians. As well, Budget 2008 includes new measures to strengthen and ensure effective implementation of the ecoACTION plan — preserving an enhancing our environment, improving the quality of our air and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Transforming waste into renewable energy to grow tomatoes — now that’s a sustainable solution. Jacques Gourdes, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, today officially opened the Les Serres du Saint-Laurent greenhouse, which uses landfill gas to heat the facility. The Government of Canada contributed $4 million to the project.
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