SHARC's Expanding Opportunity: Leading the Charge in Wastewater Heat Recovery Across Canada's Energy Projects
Following on post on the opportunity in Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) in June here, we are taking the opportunity to illustrate some of the other opportunities that we believe will be shorter term opportunities for SHARC, a number of which are right in their back yard and some further afield.
1. Blatchford District Energy System (Edmonton)
The Blatchford District Energy System in Edmonton is a significant opportunity for SHARC International. With $23.7 million in federal funding, this project will provide 13.1 MW of heating and 12.3 MW of cooling, making it one of Canada's largest district energy systems. The Blatchford project is a flagship example of a sustainable energy system that relies on renewable energy sources and significantly reduces carbon emissions. It aims to serve over 30,000 residents in the neighborhood, providing affordable and clean energy through a centralized energy-sharing network. This district energy system also showcases the potential for future developments across other Canadian cities.
2. City of North Vancouver
The City of North Vancouver has received $89 million in funding for clean energy infrastructure projects. Although details of the energy recovery system are still under planning this is a project could see SHARC playing a pivotal role, particularly in integrating wastewater heat recovery systems. This aligns with North Vancouver’s goals of reducing its environmental footprint and transitioning toward a greener, more resilient energy infrastructure.
“Residents in North Vancouver will benefit from clean energy infrastructure that reduces heating and hot water costs while also protecting the environment. The North Vancouver Interceptor Sewer Heat Recovery project shows how all orders of government can work together to use clean energy to fight climate change, lower everyday costs for people and improve the quality of life for communities across B.C.”
The Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs
3. City of Richmond
Richmond’s energy initiatives consist of two district energy systems: the City Centre District Energy Utility (CCDEU) and the Oval Village District Energy Utility (OVDEU). The CCDEU project will utilize sewer heat recovery technology, expected to be completed by 2028. The OVDEU, slated for completion in 2029, is currently under consideration for integrating wastewater heat recovery. Both projects represent significant milestones in Richmond’s efforts to create sustainable energy solutions for its urban communities.
News - National Energy Award - City of Richmond, BC
4. City of Port Coquitlam
The Kingsway Green Energy Corridor project in Port Coquitlam is another notable initiative. The city plans to capture waste heat from sewer systems to provide energy along the Kingsway corridor. This project is expected to significantly reduce energy costs and provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy sources.
How Port Coquitlam hopes to save $200K a year on downtown heating - Tri-City News (tricitynews.com)
5. City of New Westminster
New Westminster has collaborated with Metro Vancouver to implement the Sapperton District Energy System, a project focused on providing renewable energy to the Royal Columbian Hospital and other nearby developments. The system is still in its planning stages but aims to harness wastewater energy to meet a large portion of its energy needs, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
6. City of Burnaby
Burnaby is planning to develop a district energy utility that would receive thermal energy from Metro Vancouver’s district energy system and supply it to high density residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare and institutional buildings While there is no public mention of specific plans to incorporate sewer heat recovery, integrating SHARC into a project like this would be exceedingly beneficial. We see this as another excellent opportunity for both parties to integrate a SHARC system into a project of this scale.
https://www.burnaby.ca/our-city/projects/burnaby-district-energy-utility
7. City of Surrey
Surrey is currently developing a district energy strategy that includes exploring the use of sewer heat recovery for urban energy systems. The Surrey City Energy initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across the city.
8. Senakw
The Senakw development, located near Vancouver, is a notable urban project that has already received regulatory approval. This project will provide heating and cooling through a sewage heat recovery system. This development will create an innovative and sustainable energy infrastructure for the region.
BCUC approves Senakw district energy plant - theBreaker
9. Other Notable Projects
In addition to the Canadian projects, cities like New York are beginning to wake up to the value WET systems can have to meeting their environmental goals. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) has joined the Sewage Treatment Efficiency Network (STEN). While NYC has not yet allowed private developers to access sewers for energy recovery, this is a significant development and is a positive sign for advancing SHARC’s potential to be involved in large projects.
Conclusion
SHARC International is playing a vital role in the development of sustainable district energy systems across multiple Canadian cities, each project offering unique opportunities for innovation in energy recovery. Through the use of wastewater heat recovery, these projects demonstrate the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and transition toward cleaner urban energy infrastructures. With growing federal and municipal support, SHARC’s technologies are set to become a crucial element in Canada’s move toward a more sustainable energy future.