OCAF funded Envari to conduct a Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) research study to assess the potential to heat and cool a new 600,000 ft² residential development at the Library Parcel in Lebreton Flats, Ottawa. The study scope was to assess the technical, financial and emissions potential and feasibility to deploy a larger WET system beyond the Library Parcel thereby enhancing GHG reduction potential. The implementation of this type of system would eliminate buildings’ reliance on high greenhouse gas emitting fossil-based heating.
The findings from the study concluded that a larger WET system at Lebreton Flats would create economies of scale. A 7.5 MW well would triple capacity while only increasing civil costs by 30% and put resident costs on par with fossil fuel heating.
The City’s Environment and Climate Change Committee approved that the City enter into an agreement with Theia Partners and Envari Holdings to connect a WET to the City’s sewer system. This will be the City’s first pilot project with WET. This pilot project could reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,100 tonnes per year and would support the energy efficient net-zero development planned at Dream LeBreton.
Read the report here.