Markham District Energy lands two CHPSOP projects

 

Perhaps the standard-bearer for small scale cogeneration in Ontario, Markham District Energy Inc. (MDE) has won two contracts under the CHPSOP program. The contracts were awarded on September 6, 2011.

Markham Civic Centre, one of the buildings connected to the Markham Centre system. All photos courtesy Markham District Energy

          MDE has been developing a district energy system (heating & cooling thermal grids) serving Markham Centre, the Town of Markham’s emerging downtown core for more than ten years. Combined heat and power has been an important contributor to the system’s environmental story and MDE notes that I will continue to invest in CHP as the thermal load expands.

Birchmount Energy Centre, one of MDE three district energy production facilities serving Markham Centre, and home to a new 2.6 MW CHPSOP facility.

Ultimately home to over 30 million square feet of mixed-use development, MDE provides thermal energy to nearly 6 million ft² today, representing 100% new construction since 2000.

MDE’s Bur Oak Energy Centre, operational in 2012 and serving MDE’s second district energy system in East Markham. The anchor customer is the expanding Markham Stouffville Hospital.

          MDE’s first CHP plant, rated 3.5 MW, was built in 2001. It added a second 5 MW plant in 2008 with its first contract with the OPA. The recent CHPSOP award for a 2.6 MW plant will bring its CHP capacity in Markham Centre to over 11 MW.

This thermal storage system stores excess heat from MDE’s CHP fleet operations during peak hours and discharges during off-peak hours to the district heating grid.

          In 2010 MDE commenced construction on its second district energy system in the east end of Markham. Phase one of the system includes the expanding Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Town’s newest Community Centre & Library. The East Markham District Energy system will ultimately provide heating and cooling to over 10 million square feet of building space.

MDE’s 5.0 MW CHP facility under contract since 2008 with the Ontario Power Authority.

          MDE will also be constructing a 3.25 MW CHP facility to be located in the Bur Oak Energy Centre. It is expected to be operational in 2013.