Cavendish Farms Ltd is a Canadian company that has been operating since 1980. The company is a subsidiary of J.D. Irving, Limited, a family-owned conglomerate that has been in business for over 130 years. Cavendish Farms Ltd is primarily involved in the production of frozen potato products, but in recent years, the company has also been involved in renewable energy projects, specifically in the biomass and waste sectors.

Biomass is a renewable energy source that is derived from organic materials such as wood, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste. Biomass can be used to produce electricity, heat, and fuel. Waste, on the other hand, refers to any material that is discarded and has no further use. Waste can be converted into energy through various processes, including incineration, gasification, and anaerobic digestion.

Cavendish Farms Ltd has been involved in biomass and waste projects for several years. The company's first foray into renewable energy was in 2007 when it built a biomass boiler at its potato processing plant in Prince Edward Island. The boiler uses wood chips as fuel and is capable of producing up to 55,000 pounds of steam per hour. The steam is used to power the plant's production processes, reducing the company's reliance on fossil fuels.

In 2010, Cavendish Farms Ltd partnered with Atlantic Power Corporation to build a 30-megawatt biomass power plant in Manitoba. The plant uses wood waste from sawmills and forestry operations as fuel and is capable of producing enough electricity to power over 27,000 homes. The project was completed in 2012 and has been in operation ever since.

Cavendish Farms Ltd has also been involved in waste-to-energy projects. In 2014, the company partnered with Anaergia Inc. to build a biogas plant at its potato processing plant in Lethbridge, Alberta. The plant uses organic waste from the potato processing plant and other sources as feedstock and is capable of producing up to 4.5 megawatts of electricity. The electricity is sold to the grid, and the plant also produces heat and fertilizer as byproducts.

In addition to its own renewable energy projects, Cavendish Farms Ltd has also been involved in supporting other renewable energy initiatives. In 2016, the company partnered with the Government of Prince Edward Island to provide funding for a wind energy project on the island. The project involved the installation of two wind turbines with a combined capacity of 6.6 megawatts.

Cavendish Farms Ltd's commitment to renewable energy is driven by several factors. First, the company recognizes the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change. Second, renewable energy projects provide an opportunity for the company to diversify its business and generate additional revenue streams. Finally, renewable energy projects can help to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the communities where they are located.

Overall, Cavendish Farms Ltd's involvement in biomass and waste-to-energy projects demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By investing in renewable energy, the company is helping to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to the development of a more sustainable energy system. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, Cavendish Farms Ltd is well-positioned to play a leading role in this important sector.