In 1994, Brock University in Ontario started producing green energy and heat with its own generators. Its goal was to establish energy self-sufficiency for its laboratories as well as combat the rising price of electricity. Twenty-seven years later, this cost has increased* by a whopping 71%, making sustainable energy a major concern of Canadians.

Now, thanks to three decades of solid partnership with Toromont Cat Energy, this university, located in the center of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, has set the gold standard in terms of energy efficiency, micro-grid power systems, and sustainable development.

Triple function generator

In 1994, “the first co-generation system was designed to heat the campus while generating electricity. We’re talking about a system that can simultaneously produce heat (in the winter), electricity, and cooling (in the summer) from a single source,” said Scott Johnstone, Associate Vice-President of Facilities Management.

The in-house production of energy to meet the needs of an isolated site is a great way to optimize energy efficiency in a province where electricity travels great distances, and this, with great losses. In August 2003, more than 10 million people in Ontario experienced “the largest power outage in the history of North America**.” Ontario residents were without power for days. Brock University immediately implemented its “isolation mode”, enabling it to become completely self-sufficient by protecting its critical facilities and laboratories.

A durable, flexible, and self-sufficient micro-grid

In 2018, Brock began replacing its eight G3516A gas generators, which totaled 1.25 million hours of 24/7/365 service, with four G3516Hs with a capacity of 2 MW each. Thanks to the annual maintenance performed by Toromont Cat Energy, "the equipment was all in its original condition; we haven't had to replace a single engine in twenty-five years," said mechanic Brian Forbes.

The new facility generates 6 million BTUs*** while significantly lowering its water and gas consumption, which greatly reduces the plant’s carbon footprint. As a result, Brock will be able to hold true to its commitment to lower its overall emissions by 20% by the year 2023. Now, the University boasts a flexible and completely self-reliant micro-grid that can meet 100% of its needs, as opposed to its previous 85% coverage.

For the first time in Canada, this upgrade was fully funded by the federal and provincial governments of Ontario. According to Jim Bradley, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, “this investment demonstrates [the province's] commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on university campuses […] and to lead by example in terms of energy efficiency.”

Sustainable and affordable energy

Each case is unique: from hydrogen solar panels to co-generated greenhouses that heat universities.

Businesses and facilities that choose to leverage green technologies share something in common: they save thousands of dollars.

The choice to move towards sustainable energy is more than a commitment to the environment, it is an important step that can improve efficiency and lower expenses – a crucial factor in an uncertain climate where suppliers will undoubtedly continue to raise the price of electricity.

Customized sustainability

With decades of experience and success in sustainability, and with fruitful collaborations with partners such as Brock University, Toromont Cat Energy continues to lead the way and develop its expertise in renewable and low-emission energy.

The use of flexible and “smart” micro-grid systems allows for a sustainable future in which multiple energy sources are combined with controllers and storage units for optimum efficiency.

Toromont Cat Power Systems offers a complete range of energy solutions that can help you meet your targets in terms of sustainability, energy transition, energy self-sufficiency, and/or co-generation.