Yukon Energy is partnering with the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse to look into the feasibility of a district energy system for Whitehorse. The partners have awarded FVB Energy Inc. a contract worth just over $300,000 to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study. FVB will start its work early this month and is expected to have its report completed by next spring
In Yukon's case, the partners are interested in exploring how waste heat from biomass, gas and/or waste-to-energy generation projects could be used in a district energy system that could serve public and private commercial and institutional buildings. Benefits could include:
- reduction in fossil fuel use and therefore fewer greenhouse gas emissions;
- lower heating costs for Yukoners;
- Development of a biomass fuel industry in Yukon (energy related employment, enhanced local/regional energy economy, greater energy security and improved local control) and
- Meeting the City of Whitehorse's Sustainability and Official Community Plan objectives and meeting some of the Yukon Energy Strategy goals and certain Climate Change Action Plan objectives.
A pre-feasibility study done last year indicated that a district energy system is very likely technically and economically feasible in some areas of Whitehorse, including Lewes Blvd. in Riverdale, the Whitehorse hospital area, and the downtown core. This feasibility study will confirm the findings and explore these and other possible options in much greater detail.