Markham District Energy (MDE) announced in a recent press release the groundbreaking of the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer (WET) project at its Low Carbon Energy Centre (LCEC) in Downtown Markham, Ontario, Canada.
“Today represents a milestone in our 25-year history,” said Bruce Ander, MDE President and CEO. “The WET project not only further positions MDE as a leader in innovative energy solutions and accelerates our path to becoming a net-zero district energy supplier, but is a representation of the outcome when there is cooperation and strategic support from all levels of government.”
When constructed, the WET project, which will utilize the Region of York’s wastewater system, is expected to reduce MDE’s carbon emissions from the production of thermal energy by over 30,000 tonnes per year, significantly advancing MDE towards its goal of becoming net-zero by 2050 and contributing to the overall emissions reductions provided by the LCEC, which already utilizes technology to reduce carbon emissions by more than 13,000 tonnes per year.
In recognizing the significance of the partnerships required to develop the LCEC and launch the WET project, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance attended the announcement. “We are empowering homegrown innovators, like Markham District Energy, to turn their ideas into economic success stories. By investing in cutting-edge technology, we are making energy more affordable – saving residents and businesses money on their energy bills – while also reducing emissions and creating good-paying jobs.”
Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the City of Markham and York Region Councillor, Rory Nisan, Federation of Canadian Municipalities Ontario Caucus Chair and Deputy Mayor of the City of Burlington, and Cara-Lynne Wade, Director of Energy Conservation and Energy Transition Planning at Enbridge Gas also joined in the announcement.
MDE leveraged funding from several programs offered by the Federal Government, including $16.7 million from the Low Carbon Economy Fund, $8.2 million from the Green Municipal Fund, and a $135 million loan facility from the Canada Infrastructure Bank combined with a $135 million facility with CIBC, to support the expansion of its district energy network and transition to net-zero emissions. Enbridge Gas provided additional support in the form of over $700,000 from several demand side management and fuel switching grant programs.
