Ontario Construction News staff writer
Markham District Energy (MDE) has started construction on the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer (WET) project at the Low Carbon Energy Centre in Markham.
Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the project’s expected impact on reducing carbon emissions. Once completed, the WET project is projected to cut MDE’s carbon emissions from thermal energy production by 30,000 tonnes annually, supplementing the LCEC’s existing reductions of 13,000 tonnes per year.
“This marks a significant milestone in our 25-year journey,” said Bruce Ander, president and CEO of MDE. “The WET project solidifies MDE’s position as a leader in innovative energy solutions and brings us closer to our goal of being a net-zero district energy provider. It showcases the power of collaboration and strategic support from all levels of government.”
The project is backed by several federal funding initiatives, including $16.7 million from the Low Carbon Economy Fund, $8.2 million from the Green Municipal Fund, and a combined $270 million loan facility from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and CIBC. Enbridge Gas also contributed $700,000 through various grant programs focused on demand-side management and fuel switching.
During the ceremony, an additional $24.9 million federal investment was announced to fund an 18.5-megawatt wastewater heat recovery system and a new 500-kilowatt biomass pellet boiler. These additions aim to further decrease the network’s natural gas use and lower emissions by over 700,000 tonnes over the project’s lifetime.
“By empowering local innovators like Markham District Energy, we are turning ideas into economic successes,” said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who attended the event. “Investing in advanced technology not only makes energy more affordable for residents and businesses but also contributes to emission reductions and job creation.”
MDE, owned by the City of Markham, is a leading developer of municipally owned district energy systems, providing cost-effective heating and cooling solutions to over 240 buildings in Markham and the Cornell Centre.
For more information, visit markhamdistrictenergy.com.