Corner Brook District Heating Systems Project Moving Forward

With assistance of $125,000 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund, an engineering study will bring Corner Brook another step closer to an innovative, economically efficient and environmentally-friendly District Energy Systems (DES) for the city.

DES, also referred to as district heating systems, provides energy in the form of hot water, steam or chilled water through underground pipelines to businesses and residential neighbourhoods from a common energy source. The benefits of such systems include reduced energy costs, utilization of an industrial waste source, reduced greenhouse gases (GHGs) and improved energy efficiency.

�District heating systems are renowned for reduced energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, two very important environmental considerations,� said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. �A major employer in the area, the paper mill is also a potential low cost source of thermal energy. The engineering study will focus on the design of the heating system within the context of the city layout and help this worthwhile project move one step closer to fruition.�

The City of Corner Brook is partnering with the Centre of Environmental Excellence (CEE), Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited (CBPPL) and the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) on this initiative.

�It is incumbent upon us to explore the possibilities of more rational energy usage wherever and whenever we can, and this district heating project clearly points toward such potential,� said the Honourable Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West. �It not only represents a means of producing needed energy with a minimal effect on the environment but, from an economic standpoint, it also helps reduce operating costs for the mill. I applaud the partners in this initiative for their work in advancing such a sustainable approach to energy production.�

The engineering study will consist of a field study and a combination of a business and engineering analysis, and will serve as the foundation for the project team in their decision-making process. This study represents the second phase of the district heating project, following an earlier feasibility study which demonstrated positive results.

The initial feasibility study identified Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited as the prime energy source for the district heating system. A large quantity of steam is released through several processes at the mill. There is also the opportunity to use steam directly from the No. 7 boiler/cogeneration unit. Based on the information contained in the study, there is spare boiler and turbine generator capacity of 12.8 megawatts (MW) of heat available for the district heating system. The proposed project also has the potential to reduce GHGs by approximately 10,000 tonnes per year.

�Throughout the world, we are seeing more heating systems like this one provide sound economic and environmental benefits to businesses and residents alike,� said the Honourable Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East. �They require both a heating market and an economical local energy source, both of which the City of Corner Brook clearly possesses. There are approximately 80 of these systems in Canada, and I am delighted that Corner Brook will eventually be added to this list. This engineering study will certainly help us advance our district heating system goals.�

�I am delighted that we are moving toward the next phase of this very important initiative for the City of Corner Brook,� said Mayor Charles Pender. �We are placing a very green focus on our future plans for the city, as evident with our new City Hall Complex we recently announced. The district heating system is yet another major project that adds to the sustainability of our community.�

Funding for the project comes from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund, a three-year, $25 million program which is supported by both the federal and provincial governments. This funding is to support projects geared toward environmental sustainability and provide real reductions in GHG emissions.

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2009 08 19                                   9:45 a.m.