Low Carbon Conversion of Central Heat Steam Utility Study for Downtown Vancouver

Creative Energy Platforms Canada Ltd., in partnership with the City of Vancouver, is studying the feasibility of a new low-carbon baseload plant that would reduce the GHG emissions of an existing district energy utility and supply additional low-carbon energy for new development. Creative Energy (formerly Central Heat Distribution Ltd.) currently provides steam to over 200 buildings in downtown Vancouver, including five City-owned buildings. This study considers the feasibility of a new biomass-fuelled steam plant that would use local clean urban wood waste to displace natural gas−fired steam from Creative Energy’s existing plant. Building on earlier pre-feasibility studies, the full feasibility study examines available technologies, optimal plant sizing, possible locations, interconnection options, site concepts, fuel availability and costs, overall economic viability, GHG benefits and other community considerations. The project has the potential to replace 65 per cent of Creative Energy’s existing natural gas use and to eliminate over 80,000 tonnes of GHG emissions, equivalent to removing almost 17,000 cars from the road. The project represents one of the least-cost sources of significant renewable energy and GHG reductions in the City of Vancouver. The project would also satisfy new requirements for low-carbon energy in new service areas of downtown such as Northeast False Creek. The results of the study are currently being reviewed by the City of Vancouver. Creative Energy will be embarking on broader conversations with customers and community stakeholders in the coming months. (As per February 10, 2016 announcement)