Canada is supporting British Columbia’s main metro area with a $2.5 million investment for a cleantech project.
Burnaby’s Waste-to-Energy Facility is part of Metro Vancouver’s approach to managing residual waste and recovering energy.
According to a statement from the federal government, the facility will capture steam generated by its existing process to supply clean heating and hot water to up to 50,000 homes across Metro Vancouver, which is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70,000 tonnes per year.
Once complete, “this will be North America’s largest low-carbon district energy system,” according to Mike Hurley, chairman of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors.
“This project gives us an opportunity for innovation and community benefit as we strive to achieve zero waste,” he said. “By adding a district energy system, we’ll cut greenhouse gas emissions and harness heat the Waste-to-Energy Facility produces to provide water and space heating for tens of thousands of homes.”
Sarah Kirby-Yung, who heads Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee, says the funding support “will help us triple the energy recovery potential of our Waste-to-Energy Facility compared to generating electricity alone.”
“The system will deliver hot water via an underground piping network to nearby housing developments, which will be able to significantly reduce their reliance on natural gas, cutting both costs and greenhouse gas emissions,” she remarked.
The capital hails from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund, which supports cleantech projects nationwide.
Canada “has the potential to become a leader in clean energy,” believes Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Projects like this one in Metro Vancouver show how innovation and green technology can make a difference in our communities.”
Gregor Robertson, Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, posits that “Metro Vancouver is leading the way in green innovation and technology.”
“This investment in the Waste-to-Energy project supports clean energy and reduces emissions—building healthier, more sustainable communities for generations to come,” he said.
Supporting the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District “as it works toward climate solutions for the Metro Vancouver community demonstrates how the fight against climate change goes hand-in-hand with building resilient communities, cutting energy costs, and growing our economy,” commented Wade Grant, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
The Waste-to-Energy Facility has operated in Burnaby since 1988.