Renewable energy heats tomato greenhouse

This release is available in French.

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.