Earlier today, Executive Committee approved motions that will move us one step closer to making the Blatchford Redevelopment a 100% renewable energy, zero-carbon project.
The Committee received a presentation on implementing the District Energy Sharing System (DESS) for Blatchford. DESS is different to other District Energy systems in that it distributes ambient temperature water, which is then upgraded using pumps to provide both heating and cooling to building in the development. This system allows for greater flexibility to tie in renewable energy sources and also allows for the sharing of energy between buildings.
DESS would also make use of renewable energy, such as geo-exchange technology, sewer heat and solar cells. Geo-exchange uses the earth as a heat source, with several boreholes drilled into the ground in order to get access to the source. The moderate temperatures that exist in the earth are then used to boost efficiency of heating and cooling systems.
During the Committee discussion, Mayor Iveson expressed his support for implementing a system that makes Blatchford a 100% renewable energy, zero-carbon area. "I am committed to that goal and I'm pleased with the work to date. This is a prudent approach, using proven technology that we can scale up to make this neighbourhood successful.”
The Committee passed two motions; one requesting Administration prepare a business case for implementing DESS and one report on a utility rate analysis for DESS – to come back to City Council in early 2016.
You can find more information on sustainable technologies being considered and on DESS here: http://www.edmonton.ca/…/sustainable-technologies-blatchfor…
