Modernization of the National Capital Region Energy System

As part of Innovate Energy, a private-partner consortium, WSP is designing, building and converting the existing high-temperature steam system powering Canada’s National Capital Region to a more energy-efficient, low-temperature hot water system to reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Government of Canada is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and leading by example to make its operations green. In the National Capital Region (NCR), 80 buildings are connected to a district energy system for heating and 67 are connected for cooling, including the Parliament Buildings. The system was built between 50 and 100 years ago and uses outdated technologies and many of its components are at the end of their service life.

Following a decade-long process, the Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) awarded Innovate Energy, a private-partner consortium including WSP Canada as Design Prime for the 35-year Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP) Energy Service Modernization (ESM) contract. From 2019 to 2025, Innovate Energy will design, build and convert the existing high temperature steam system to a more energy-efficient low temperature hot water system while continuing to provide heating and cooling by operating the existing facilities. Once the construction period is completed, Innovate Energy will operate and maintain the new system through to 2055.

Energy networks are used around the world. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, modern district energy networks in cities "are among the cheapest and most effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy demand.

This project will be one of Canada’s most significant projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save operational costs, improve safety, and create lasting architectural landmarks. The modernization of the district energy system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a total of 63% upon completion in 2025.

Location

Ottawa, Canada

Client

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)

Project Value

$2.6B CAD

Buildings that will be improved

80

Reduction of GHGs

63%

Our Approach

The modernization of the NCR’s district energy system features many innovations and measures, including:

Steam to low-temperature hot water conversion system
Though it has been done overseas in cities such as London and Paris, this is the first time in North America that such a large network is converted from steam to safer, more energy-efficient low-temperature hot water. That means that instead of circulating scalding steam through the pipes, low-temperature hot water will be used to heat the buildings connected to the network. This project will involve upgrading and redesigning pipes and other components since steam and low-temperature hot water circulate through pipes of different diameters.

River-cooling system
The Ottawa River will help chill the water which will be used to cool buildings connected to the network. Combined with the use of electric chillers, this is a more sustainable alternative to the system presently in place.

Cliff plant curtain wall
The Cliff Central Heating and Cooling Plant, designed to be an architectural landmark, will fit well with the topography and contours of the limestone cliffs in this area. Given the massive length and height of the Cliff Plant along the base of Parliament Hill, the building envelope design will be focused on screening and hiding the mechanical plant building behind an organically flowing, freeform curtain.

Digital tools

A transparent and secure digital tool will track and monitor CO2 emissions internally. Innovate Energy will also use blockchain technology, a more efficient and cost-effective approach to gathering information and collecting and verifying data by third parties. Integrating digital tools developed overseas specifically for the operation and maintenance of district energy systems will contribute to the efficient use of energy, enable effective maintenance strategies, and create a healthy and safe environment for all employees.

Maximizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness and greenhouse gas reductions
Converting the heating and cooling plants to cleaner technology will save hundreds of millions of dollars while improving resiliency and safety conditions. This will reduce carbon pollution by 33 percent, bringing the total greenhouse gas reductions for the system to 63 percent compared to its 2005 baseline emission levels.

The result will be an improved delivery of heating and cooling services in the NCR with a goal to:

Improve the Government of Canada’s environmental performance.

Reduce the costs of heating and cooling operations for the Government of Canada compared to the current systems.

Increase safety and reliability of heating and cooling operations.

Growth of the modernized NCR district energy system so the community can benefit from economies of scale for greater technical, environmental, and economic outcomes.

The solution provided by Innovate Energy will help the Government of Canada to meet its goal of a 40% reduction in the country’s greenhouse gas emissions from operations by 2030.