Natural gas fuels economic development

Natural gas is a reliable, cost-effective energy source that helps grow “Ontario’s critical manufacturing sector, supports our burgeoning greenhouse sector and underpins our mining sector as the global need for critical minerals soars,” Steve Greenley, Senior Vice President, Commercial Services, Gas Distribution and Storage, Enbridge Inc., said at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario annual conference in Toronto.

When developers call the company excited about growth and expansion plans and looking for an energy source, Enbridge Gas is there for them thanks to our wide-reaching natural gas pipeline and storage systems, Greenley told the crowd.

And people are seeking natural gas. In Ontario, Enbridge Gas is evaluating over 250 large volume opportunities, and over 70 natural gas growth projects of varying sizes.

“We’re also working with economic development agencies to assess sites for clients looking to expand into Ontario or expand their existing operations in Ontario,” said Greenley.

Enbridge Gas has been involved with some large and crucial economic development projects recently, including the NextStar Energy plant in Windsor, a plant which is the first large-scale EV battery manufacturing facility in Canada, and more recently with plans to supply energy to Asahi Kasei, a battery separator corporation which chose the Niagara Region for its home.

People want and need natural gas, Greenley said, pointing out that in 2024 alone, the company connected more than 35,000 new homes and businesses to our system, and “we receive new requests for natural gas service from across the province every single day.”

As well, through the Natural Gas Expansion Program, 4,395 customers have been connected to natural gas since the beginning of the program, through more than 400 kilometres of new natural gas pipe.

Enbridge Gas’ $358-million Panhandle Regional Expansion Project is now in service in Southwest Ontario, providing increased natural gas capacity to support economic growth and stimulate an anticipated $4.5 billion in investments and local jobs.

North America’s leading diversified energy delivery company

Enbridge Gas is doing all of this as part of Enbridge Inc., which is North America’s leading diversified energy delivery company. Enbridge has built its name by safely delivering reliable energy to consumers and markets across North America through its vast network of natural gas and oil transmission pipelines, our natural gas utilities, and our renewable energy generation capacity.

“All four of Enbridge’s business units operate here in Ontario, and we are deeply invested in Ontario’s success, said Greenley.

Enbridge Gas is expanding its reach, he said, after acquiring utilities in Ohio, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and North Carolina, allowing us to serve seven million customers directly across North America.

“These once-in-a-generation acquisitions reinforce our commitment to maintain and grow industry-leading infrastructure, which helps foster economic development and growth as well.”

The natural gas advantage is being there with energy when people need it most, on the coldest days, for example.

On Jan. 22, for example, the total energy Enbridge Gas delivered to Ontario was 4.9X the combined energy from nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biofuel sources combined.

“That's a massive contribution to our energy and economic needs,” he said.

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