Minoru Complex Neighbourhood Energy Utility Solar Feasibility Study

The City of Richmond, BC, will complete a feasibility study to help elements of the Minoru Complex reach net-zero energy through the implementation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and a potential Neighbourhood Energy Utility (a District Energy System). The Minoru Complex is a multi-purpose community facility currently being built to LEED gold standards which includes aquatic center, outdoor sports complex, fitness centre, administrative building, three exterior plazas and a nearby fire hall. The complex is designed to 55% energy savings when compared to MNECB 1997, and 93.3% greenhouse gas emission reductions. If demonstrated feasible, these two renewable energy measures would help the fire hall achieve net zero energy and provide renewable energy to the surrounding neighbourhood. The feasibility study will include a financial analysis to determine capital costs, long-term operating impact, and alternative financing strategies in order to make the implementation of solar PV more economically viable for municipal properties. In addition it will consider the short and long-term technical feasibility and environmental benefits of implementing a solar PV array. Lastly, the feasibility study will determine the viability of connecting to a geo-exchange Neighbourhood Energy Utility for the Minoru area. The design of the Minoru Complex allows for installation of an approximately 3000 square meters PV array that is estimated to generate up to 105,000 kWh of electricity resulting in a reduction of nearly 19 tonnes of CO2 per year. The solar PV array would be situated on top of the aquatic center in the Minoru complex. The study will consider lifecycle based approaches for energy usage and efficiency measures, and build upon an initial review of the district energy compatibility of the Minoru Complex for building heating and temperature control criteria. The feasibility study is supported by the Resilient Economy, Climate Change Response, and Sustainable Infrastructure and Resources objectives of the Official Community Plan and Community Energy and Emissions Plan. (Project description from original funding application)