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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.