Yukon Energy is partnering with the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse to look into the feasibility of a district energy system for Whitehorse.
The partners have awarded FVB Energy Inc. a contract worth just over $300,000 to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study. FVB is a highly reputable company based in Alberta. It has been in business for nearly 30 years, providing expertise in the field of district energy to more than 20 countries.
FVB will start its work early this month and is expected to have its report completed by next spring.
District energy systems link suppliers to customers through a network of underground pipes, transporting heat from an energy plant via steam or hot water. The plant may also generate electricity in an arrangement known as cogeneration.
In Yukon’s case, the partners are interested in exploring how waste heat from biomass, gas and/or waste-to-energy generation projects could be used in a district energy system that could serve public and private commercial and institutional buildings. Benefits could include:
• reduction in fossil fuel use and therefore fewer greenhouse gas emissions;
• lower heating costs for Yukoners;
• Development of a biomass fuel industry in Yukon (energy related employment, enhanced local/regional energy economy, greater energy security and improved local control); and
• Meeting the City of Whitehorse’s Sustainability and Official Community Plan objectives and meeting some of the Yukon Energy Strategy goals and certain Climate Change Action Plan objectives.
A pre-feasibility study done last year indicated that a district energy system is very likely technically and economically feasible in some areas of Whitehorse, including Lewes Blvd. in Riverdale, the Whitehorse hospital area, and the downtown core. This feasibility study will confirm the findings and explore these and other possible options in much greater detail.
Contact:
Janet Patterson
Supervisor, Communications
Yukon Energy
(867) 393-5333
(867) 335-1519
janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Ron Billingham
Communications
Yukon Department of Energy, Mines and Resources
(867) 667-8786
ron.billingham@gov.yk.ca
Shannon Clohosey
Sustainability Projects Manager
City of Whitehorse
(867) 334-2111
shannon.clohosey@whitehorse.ca
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