Strathcona Community Energy System - Biomass Combustion (Bioheat) Demonstration and Testing Facility
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Energy
Project value$3,400,000
Project Type
Pilot Project
Sub Sector
Waste to Energy – Biomass
Grant amount$350,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Strathcona County, AB
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
99,225
Project timeline
2011 - 2016
Project number
10415
Description
Strathcona County will conduct a biomass combustion field test connected to its existing community energy system (CES), which has been operational since 2006. The biomass combustion field test will provide the community with data about the long-term potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by switching its fuel source from natural gas to renewable energy resources.
The field test will evaluate net thermal efficiencies and environmental impacts at specific operating conditions for various sustainable fuel sources, such as agricultural residues and woody waste biomass found within Alberta's capital region. Strathcona is targeting sources in a 100-kilometre radius, with preference to Strathcona County local feedstocks which could otherwise be incinerated or end up in a landfill site. The two-year test will allow the utility to assess the environmental and economic feasibility of switching to renewable fuels for its long-term operations. On a yearly basis, the test system is expected to generate more than 22,000 Gigajoules of energy, reduce GHG emissions by almost 1,500 tonnes and increase commercial waste diversion from landfill sites by 22 per cent. At test completion, the biomass combustion will provide approximately 40% of the base load heat to the system, with natural gas supporting the remaining seasonal peaks.
Strathcona’s CES is the exclusive supplier of heat for the Centre in the Park, a new downtown development. The utility is currently operating at 50 per cent capacity, delivering heat to nine municipal and residential buildings. It anticipates reaching full capacity by 2020 as new commercial and residential customers come online. This BioHeat test supports Alberta's Provincial Energy Strategy and Climate Change Strategy, and is aligned with Strathcona’s Environmental Sustainability Framework, which is part of the community’s strategic plan. Surrounding residents and businesses are being engaged in the field test though strategies including direct mailing, a public information session, two year-end public engagement workshops, newspaper advertisements and website information. Long term developments resulting from the field test are expected to help revitalize Strathcona by providing local employment, improving public health, and contributing to the community’s quality of life.
(Project description from original funding application)
Applicant
Strathcona County, AB