Six Forestry Biomass District Heating Systems for the MRC of La Matapédia
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector
Energy
Project value$3,227,620
Project Type
Capital Project
Sub Sector
District Energy – Biomass
Grant amount$312,439
Program type
GMF
Municipality
MRC de la Matapédia, QC
Loan amount$1,562,198
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
17,592
Project timeline
2013 - 2015
Project number
12075
Description
The Regional Municipality (MRC) of Matapedia and five of its member municipalities will be converting the fossil fuel heating systems in public buildings to use residual biomass. To maximize economies of scale and synergies, the municipalities have joined forces to submit a funding application through the MRC while retaining complete autonomy when it comes to preparing, implementing and operating the heating systems. The MRC and the five municipalities will create six district heating systems to heat 30 public buildings including municipal offices, churches, schools, and town halls. The residual biomass heating systems will reduce the combined use of fossil fuels and electricity by 94%, or about 12,700 GJ per year. Using residual biomass bought from a local forest cooperative as a source of energy, the six boilers will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 667 tonnes annually while generating annual savings of about $550,000 for all the buildings connected to the system. This project will promote the emergence of companies and initiatives focussed on optimizing forest resources, manufacturing “Made in Matapedia” boilers and developing online training programs. This joint initiative, which was based on recent projects, offers excellent potential for being replicated by other municipal governments. The reference materials provided by this project will allow other municipalities to minimize their risks in carrying out their own projects. (Project description from original funding application)
Project results
- 447 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided
- 7624 GJ of energy savings per year
Environmental outcomes
- Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
- Minimal environmental impact
Social outcomes
- Protection/improvement of public human health
- Increased public safety and security
Economic outcomes
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Increased tourism
- Local business development or local economy stimulus
- Use of feasibility tools
- Improved demand management
Lessons learned
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Council support/buy-in
- Data and reporting
- Resources
- External factors
- Technical – Project specific
Applicant
MRC de la Matapédia, QC