Feasibility study on the implementation of an energy loop – City of Candiac

The City of Candiac will undertake a feasibility study to assess the implementation of an energy recovery loop to distribute heating and air conditioning between emitters (industrial buildings) and receivers (municipal and residential buildings). The project targets the Montcalm downtown area (700,000 m2), which will be completely revamped in the next few years with new community buildings and new residential zones. The creation of this new downtown area provides the opportunity to integrate innovative practices such as the energy loop, which offers the following environmental benefits: · Recovering and reusing industrial thermal discharges (heating and air conditioning) · Promoting the use of 100% renewable energy · Reducing energy use by 40% compared to current performance (for existing buildings) or anticipated performance (for upcoming buildings) · Increasing the resilience of energy distribution systems in the face of climate variations The study will include four components: area analysis and identification of energy needs; quantitative and qualitative analysis of thermal discharges; analysis and identification of technical solutions; project design and development. The project is aligned with the City’s 2018-2033 strategic development plan and with the resolution adopted by council in July 2019 to reduce CO2 emissions on its territory by at least 40% by 2030. Innovative aspects: To date, no municipality in Quebec has created and managed an energy loop for its citizens. Replicability: · The City consulted with several Quebec municipalities that are interested in developing such a project, and that could use the lessons learned from the study (including the initial cost and the return-on-investment period). If successful, the project that will result from the feasibility study could inspire several other municipalities in a similar context. · Hydro-Québec and Transition énergétique Québec, two partners involved in the study, are very interested in supporting the City of Candiac in developing the project and sharing the results with other municipalities. (Project description from original funding application)