As our climate changes, getting to net zero has never been more important. Wires AND pipes working together can deliver a net zero future, with greater energy reliability, resilience and customer choice than electrification alone.
The path to net zero
Transportation, building heat and industrial processes are the largest sources of Ontario’s emissions. A practical path to net zero energy emissions in these sectors includes a mix of energy conservation, renewable electricity and gases, clean heating and transportation technologies, and carbon capture for large emitters that can’t be electrified.
Enbridge Gas is advancing innovative, integrated energy solutions that:
- Reliably meet our energy needs, even on the coldest days.
- Meet the energy needs of industries like concrete and steel production, and heavy transportation, which can’t be practically electrified.
- Maximize choice for energy consumers.
- Help municipalities meet their climate goals.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is the largest source of emissions* in Ontario. Electrification will play a significant role in providing clean power for personal and light-duty vehicles. Enbridge Gas is advancing cleaner fuels and low-emission technologies for vehicles that can’t be practically electrified, including:
Renewable natural gas (RNG)
A carbon-neutral fuel produced from organic waste.
“The use of renewable natural gas as a carbon-negative fuel for public transit is a great example of the steps that need to be taken as we move forward into a net-zero carbon future, and supporting economic development and jobs in Ontario.” Brandon Moffatt, Vice President, Development & Operations, StormFisher Ltd.
Hydrogen
Zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells power heavy transport vehicles sustainably.
BUILDINGS
Heat for buildings is the second-largest source of emissions in Ontario. To empower buildings to use less energy and incorporate cleaner fuels and technologies, Enbridge Gas is advancing solutions to help integrate:
Energy conservation
Energy efficiency programs and building code changes for more sustainable buildings.
The Home Winterproofing Program provides free energy efficient home upgrades for qualifying homes. Below, a participant speaks about her experience:
“The workmen that came were great…It’s been very efficient; I would really recommend it.” Rosemary, Home Winterproofing Program participant - Brampton, ON
Energy sources
A mix of solar, wind, hydrogen and renewable natural gas, to power clean heating and cooling systems reliably and cost effectively.
Heating and cooling systems
Heat pumps, hybrid heating and solar to heat and cool homes sustainably and reliably. Clean, reliable technologies such as geothermal systems and district energy for larger buildings.
“Hybrid heating could save homeowners up to $80 dollars every year on energy bills…and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 30 per cent,” Todd Smith, Minister of Energy
INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
Industrial processes are the third-largest source of emissions in Ontario. Industry is critical to Ontario’s economy and growth. We’re working together to scale and accelerate sustainable solutions, such as:
Energy conservation
Energy efficiency programs can significantly reduce energy use for businesses of all sizes.
“Working with an Enbridge Gas Energy Solutions Advisor has helped us find an innovative way to save energy and money.” Lucas Semple, Operations Manager, Under Sun Acres Inc.
Electrification
Light industry can be electrified in order to produce the goods we need, sustainably.
Renewable gases
Producing carbon-neutral renewable natural gas from organic waste and advancing renewable hydrogen created from surplus electricity for processes that can’t be electrified.
Carbon capture
A safe, clean way to capture emissions from heavy industry and store them permanently deep underground.
Why we’re optimistic about a clean energy future
“What excites me most about the energy transition is all the new sustainable technologies that are coming to the forefront each day. And Enbridge is really at the leading edge of that. We have the infrastructure and people to make these projects happen,“ says Brian Lennie, Senior Advisor, Municipal and Stakeholder Engagement, Enbridge Gas.
Visit enbridgegas.com/sustainability to watch our videos and see how energy systems are evolving.
*Ontario’s 2019 emission sources.
