Where will this energy centre be located?
It will be located on City-owned land at 720 W. 2nd Street, off Fell Avenue. The site was formerly used to store pipes and construction materials. This is an ideal location as Metro Vancouver’s North Vancouver wastewater pipes passes by the site.
How will Lonsdale Energy’s new urban heat recovery centre work?
Lonsdale Energy’s urban heat recovery centre will capture heat energy from raw wastewater, which is warm. Wastewater will be diverted to the Urban Heat Recovery Centre where heat energy will be extracted. Industrial heat pumps will them be used to upgrade the heat energy to our system temperature. The heat will provide heating to buildings that are part of Lonsdale Energy's community energy system.
What is wastewater?
Wastewater is the water that goes down your drains every time you take a shower, do the laundry, wash dishes, or flush the toilet. Wastewater from homes and buildings in North Vancouver can be over 20 degrees warmer than air temperatures.
Why was wastewater heat recovery selected as an energy source?
Lonsdale Energy is expanding low-carbon energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support a more resilient City of North Vancouver. Wastewater heat recovery captures thermal energy from sewage that would otherwise be lost and uses it to heat buildings. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers emissions. This technology is already used in other cities, including the City of Vancouver’s Neighbourhood Energy Utility in False Creek.
How will this energy centre benefit the community?
Buildings are the second largest source of emissions in the City of North Vancouver, accounting for about 42% of community-wide GHG emissions. Expanding renewable energy is a key part of meeting climate targets. Once operational, this facility will help Lonsdale Energy achieve its goal of supplying 40% of energy from low-carbon sources.
How does this relate to the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant?
These are separate projects led by different organizations. Metro Vancouver is responsible for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program.
How much emissions reduction will it deliver?
The facility is expected to reduce emissions by about 7,600 tonnes of CO₂e per year.
Will the site be open to the public?
The facility will not be publicly accessible, however, parts of the interior will be visible from the street. Signage will be added near the building to help explain how community energy systems work and to highlight Lonsdale Energy's role in supporting the City of North Vancouver's climate goals.
You may contact the onsite construction team, PCL, at XXX.
