City of Iqaluit signs new district heating agreement with QEC
“The city expects to save 25 per cent of its fuel cost annually”
Iqaluit’s aquatic centre, shown here, water treatment plant, water booster station and water reheating station will all be connected to Qulliq Energy Corp.’s new district heating system. (File photo)
The City of Iqaluit has signed a new 20-year heating deal with the Qulliq Energy Corp.
The agreement will see Iqaluit’s aquatic centre, water treatment plant, water booster station and water reheating station connected to QEC’s new district heating system.
The system will work by capturing the heat produced by generator sets during electricity production and then distribute that heat to the connected buildings.
“The city expects to save 25 per cent of its fuel cost annually to the connected facilities, estimated at over $150,000 per year,” said chief administrative officer Amy Elgersma during a special council meeting on April 6.
According to a news release, in addition to financial savings, the city will also cut back on roughly 1,500 tonnes of greenhouse gases emitted each year.
“Entering into this partnership is an important step in reducing Iqaluit’s dependence on fossil fuels,” said Mayor Kenny Bell in the release.
Although the connections from the district heating system to each of the four buildings have already been built, some of the buildings may require additional work before the connection is complete.
According to QEC, the buildings will be using the new heating system by the fall.
Bravo Amy, Kenny and Council (and staff)!
Saving money and reducing the carbon footprint at the same time! Now this is how we fight climate change, not adding a federal Carbon tax that results only in raising the cost of living for everyone, including businesses and governments!
Next question….when will the Feds (and GN, QEC) spend money on replacing the dirty old diesel generators in all our Nunavut communities to cleaner, more efficient and cost effective hybrids?
Better yet, how about finding and constructing Hydroelectric projects for Qikiqtani, Kivalliq and Kitikmeot to reduce their carbon footprint even further, and get rid of as many diesel generators as possible?