Ep. 3 Market Geography of Gas - Fired Generation
Jan Buijk, AB Energy Canada - Episode 3
Written by: Amanda Rogers | · DEC · | March 5, 2025
From Local Roots to Global Reach
The global shift towards decentralised energy is redefining how power is generated, distributed, and consumed. At the heart of this transformation is Jan Buijk, CEO of AB Energy Canada, whose career has been dedicated to championing sustainable energy solutions. Buijk’s journey from small-scale cogeneration projects in the Netherlands to leading one of Canada's key players in decentralised energy reflects a deep commitment to innovation and resilience using natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen.
“It’s not just about generating electricity,” Buijk explains. “It’s about creating systems that optimise energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and deliver tangible economic benefits.”
The Foundation of AB Energy Canada
Founded in 2010 as European Power Systems, the company quickly gained traction in the Canadian market, driven by Buijk’s vision for local energy generation. In 2013, the company was acquired by AB Energy, an Italian multinational, positioning it to expand its footprint across North America.
Today, AB Energy Canada focuses on two core areas:
Gas-Fuelled Power Generation: Delivering efficient, modular cogeneration (CHP) systems that produce electricity and heat for industrial and commercial applications.
Biogas Upgrading: Transforming organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), a critical component in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Why Decentralised Energy Matters
Decentralised energy systems offer a range of benefits compared to traditional centralised grids:
Resilience: Local generation reduces dependency on long transmission lines, enhancing energy security.
Efficiency: Combined heat and power systems capture and utilise waste heat, significantly improving overall energy efficiency.
Cost Savings: Businesses can reduce energy costs and hedge against volatile electricity prices.
Buijk highlights the example of a 20 MW power plant in Alberta, developed in partnership with Enbridge. “This plant operates independently from the grid, showcasing how decentralised systems can provide both reliability and economic value,” he notes.
The Role of Greenhouses in Energy Innovation
One of AB Energy’s most successful applications has been in the greenhouse sector.
“Greenhouses are the perfect example of how decentralised energy can deliver triple benefits: electricity, heat, and CO2 for plant growth,” says Buijk. In Europe, greenhouses contribute over 3,500 MW of high-efficiency cogeneration capacity, optimising operations based on real-time power and gas prices.
In Canada, however, growth has been slower due to inconsistent government support. Buijk stresses the need for long-term incentive programmes to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“We need policies that support sustainable energy year-round, not just during short-term pilot projects,” he argues.
Biogas and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): The Future of Clean Energy
Buijk sees RNG as a cornerstone of Canada’s clean energy future. AB Energy Canada specialises in modular biogas upgrading systems that convert organic waste into pipeline-grade RNG. This process supports a circular economy by reducing waste, lowering emissions, and providing a renewable energy source.
“Our systems can process biogas from farms, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants, transforming it into a clean, versatile fuel,” Buijk explains.
Moreover, AB Energy’s technology is “Hydrogen Ready,” meaning their equipment can be adapted to run on 100% hydrogen in the future. This flexibility positions the company to support emerging hydrogen markets as infrastructure develops.
Overcoming Barriers to Growth
Despite the clear benefits, decentralised energy faces several challenges:
Regulatory Complexity: Policies often favour centralised utilities, creating barriers for smaller, decentralised projects.
Inconsistent Incentives: Short-term programmes create uncertainty for investors, hindering long-term growth.
Public Perception: Misconceptions about natural gas and cogeneration can slow adoption, despite their efficiency and environmental benefits.
Buijk believes that a balanced approach is essential.
“It’s not about replacing the grid; it’s about complementing it with local, resilient energy solutions,” he states.
Lessons from Europe: A Global Perspective
Buijk’s international experience offers valuable insights into what Canada can learn from Europe, where decentralised energy is more advanced.
District Energy Systems: Cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen use localised energy networks to supply heat and power efficiently.
Government Support: Consistent, long-term incentives have driven widespread adoption of biogas and CHP technologies.
Public Awareness: Energy literacy campaigns have helped the public understand the benefits of decentralised solutions.
Buijk recalls how study tours to Europe inspired Canadian leaders to pursue projects like Toronto’s Deep Lake Cooling system, demonstrating the power of global knowledge exchange.
Data Centres: The Next Frontier for Decentralised Energy
Emerging sectors like data centres represent new opportunities for decentralised energy. As demand for digital infrastructure grows, so does the need for reliable, low-carbon power.
“Data centres require massive amounts of energy, and grid constraints are becoming a bottleneck,” Buijk explains. “Decentralised power generation offers a flexible, scalable solution.”
AB Energy Canada is exploring how its modular systems can support data centres, providing both primary and backup power, combined with cooling through the use of absorption chillers, while reducing emissions and operating costs and reducing reliance on diesel generators.
Sustainability at the Core
For AB Energy, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s embedded in the company’s operations. The headquarters in Italy is powered by an onsite biogas plant, showcasing their commitment to practising what they preach.
“We don’t just sell sustainable solutions—we live them,” Buijk says proudly.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Collaboration
As Canada navigates its energy transition, Buijk emphasises the need for collaboration across sectors:
Policymakers must create stable, long-term frameworks that support investment in decentralised technologies.
Businesses should explore how local energy generation can reduce costs and improve resilience.
Communities need to embrace energy literacy, understanding the role of decentralised systems in building a sustainable future.
“Decentralised energy isn’t just a technical solution; it’s an economic and environmental imperative,” Buijk concludes.
With leaders like Jan Buijk at the helm, the path to a resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy future is not just possible—it’s already underway.
