What is District Energy?

In a district energy system, hot water, steam or chilled water is produced in a central facility for distribution via a network of insulated pipes to surrounding buildings such as in an industrial park or neighbourhood.

Some district energy systems provide electrical power using a process referred to as combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration.

Cogeneration facilities produce electricity and steam to power and heat buildings from one fuel source - commonly natural gas - with one-third less fuel than would be required if each building ran its own furnace and boiler.

The source of district energy is often a hospital, university, large hotel, or factory that has its own cogeneration and chilling facilities.

For information ondistrict energy and combined heat and power projects being developed by Guelph Hydro's subsidiary, Envida Community Energy Inc., please email: DE@GuelphHydro.com

Video: District Energy: Now's the Time
Educational film detailing district energy - what it is, how it works, benefits and case studies.
Produced by International District Energy Association - www.districtenergy.org

Associations:
Canadian District Energy Association - http://cdea.ca/
International District Energy Association - http://www.districtenergy.org
Combined Heat and Power Association - http://www.chpa.co.uk/