Markham District Energy Announces World’s Largest Wastewater Energy Transfer Project
Markham, Ontario, Canada – July 16, 2024 – Markham District Energy (MDE) announced today the groundbreaking of the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer (WET) project at its Low Carbon Energy Centre (LCEC) in Downtown Markham highlighting the partnerships enabling the project launch and the resulting emissions reductions.
“Today represents a milestone in our 25-year history,” said Bruce Ander, MDE President and CEO. “The WET project not only further positions MDE as a leader in innovative energy solutions and accelerates our path to becoming a net-zero district energy supplier, but is a representation of the outcome when there is cooperation and strategic support from all levels of government.”
When constructed, the WET project, which will utilize the Region of York’s wastewater system, is expected to reduce MDE’s carbon emissions from the production of thermal energy by over 30,000 tonnes per year, significantly advancing MDE towards its goal of becoming net-zero by 2050 and contributing to the overall emissions reductions provided by the LCEC, which already utilizes technology to reduce carbon emissions by more than 13,000 tonnes per year.
In recognizing the significance of the partnerships required to develop the LCEC and launch the WET project, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance attended the announcement. “We are empowering homegrown innovators, like Markham District Energy, to turn their ideas into economic success stories. By investing in cutting-edge technology, we are making energy more affordable – saving residents and businesses money on their energy bills – while also reducing emissions and creating good-paying jobs.”
Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the City of Markham and York Region Councillor, Rory Nisan, Federation of Canadian Municipalities Ontario Caucus Chair and Deputy Mayor of the City of Burlington, and Cara-Lynne Wade, Director of Energy Conservation and Energy Transition Planning at Enbridge Gas also joined in the announcement.
MDE leveraged funding from several programs offered by the Federal Government, including $16.7 million from the Low Carbon Economy Fund, $8.2 million from the Green Municipal Fund, and a $135 million loan facility from the Canada Infrastructure Bank combined with a $135 million facility with CIBC, to support the expansion of its district energy network and transition to net-zero emissions. Enbridge Gas provided additional support in the form of over $700,000 from several demand side management and fuel switching grant programs.
Additional Quotes
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“The Government of Canada is delivering affordable and reliable power to Ontarians while advancing boldly toward a sustainable and prosperous future. The investment announced today in Markham ties into the largest wastewater energy transfer project in North America and builds on the Canada Growth Fund’s historic investment in Markham District Energy’s network of nearly 250 buildings. I am pleased that this federal government is growing the momentum of the Green Buildings Strategy by investing in projects that will bring down energy bills and emissions alike.”
Frank Scarpitti, Mayor, City of Markham
“Anchored by our comprehensive Greenprint Plan, the City of Markham continues to be a municipal leader in sustainability with targeted steps to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Constructing the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer project is a leading example of how we can reach this ambitious objective. Through meaningful partnerships with the Federal Government, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, York Region, Enbridge, and technology partners, we are supporting Markham District Energy in this transformative initiative while taking important steps to tackle climate change.”
Geoff Stewart, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
“The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund acts as a vital bridge to enable innovative projects like Markham District Energy’s to move forward while reducing risk and making them more attractive to investors. By unlocking more private investments, we can make our communities cleaner, more innovative and more prosperous. Together, we’re moving towards achieving net zero.”
Cara-Lynne Wade, Director of Energy Conservation and Energy Transition Planning, Enbridge Gas
“Innovation and ingenuity are at the heart of the Low Carbon Energy Centre and Enbridge Gas is proud to be part of the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer project. As we look towards Ontario’s energy future, we are excited by the possibilities, and we will continue to partner with communities, government and industry partners on significant advancements in renewable energy infrastructure.”
Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO, York Region
“On behalf of The Regional Municipality of York and York Region Council, I am pleased to see York Region and Markham District Energy’s innovative wastewater energy transfer project, in partnership with senior levels of government and stakeholders, will reduce natural gas consumption and community greenhouse gas emissions by 30,000 tonnes annually. As the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer project, heat will be sustainably transferred from wastewater, aligning with York Region’s Climate Change Action Plan and goal of net-zero emission by 2050.”
About Markham District Energy
MDE, an energy company owned by the City of Markham, is committed to continuing as a leading developer of municipally-owned district energy systems providing strategic foundations for Markham’s sustainability and economic development objectives. MDE owns and operates award-winning, community energy systems serving buildings in the developing urban centers of Markham Centre and Cornell Centre.
Media Contact:
Richard Laszlo
richard@laszloenergy.com
416-509-0292