Pearson Eco-Business Zone District Energy Feasibility Study
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Energy
Project value$190,000
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
District Energy – Waste energy recovery
Grant amount$85,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Region of Peel, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
1,451,022
Project timeline
2010 - 2012
Project number
10254
Description
The Region of Peel will study the feasibility of implementing a district energy system (DES) to use energy more efficiently in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone (the commercial and industrial area surrounding the Toronto Pearson International Airport). The DES would capture and re-direct heat and cooling streams that are currently lost to the atmosphere. Available sources of energy include waste steam from two local cogeneration plants.
The research team will determine customer energy demand by identifying potential users, outlining the characteristics of suitable buildings and clarifying building connection requirements. They will evaluate the suitability of existing cogeneration plants, identify other potential energy suppliers and look at options for supplementary alternative energy supplies. The team will also evaluate distribution systems. The researchers will review the options for a DES in a triple-bottom line analysis that considers financial, environmental and social factors. The financial analysis will look at costs, revenues and financing. The environmental analysis will look at greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and ecological impacts. The social analysis will consider local employment, economic development and educational aspects. The researchers will also examine ownership and operational structures, study relevant regulations and do a risk assessment.
The study is expected to show that the creation of a DES will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in the area. Initial estimates suggest that the system would reduce GHG emissions by five per cent representing 97,000 tonnes. By routing the pipe network along existing rights of way, the region will minimize any negative ecological impacts. The project would contribute to economic development and promote local renewable energy generation.
(Project description from original funding application)
Applicant
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, ON