[ECO]Toronto’s Deep Lake Water Cooling System Expansion: A Win for the Environment and Economy

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Toronto is expanding its world-leading deep lake water cooling system, increasing capacity by 40% and investing $100 million.

Toronto is set to enhance its groundbreaking

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system, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable urban energy solutions. Enwave Energy Corp., the owner and operator of this massive infrastructure project, is investing $100 million to expand the system’s capacity and reach, a move that promises significant economic and environmental benefits for the city.

The deep lake water cooling system, already the largest of its kind globally, currently serves 180 buildings across 40 million square feet of downtown Toronto real estate. It utilizes a network of underground pipes stretching 40 kilometers through the city and extending 5 kilometers into Lake Ontario. This expansive network not only provides efficient cooling and heating but also contributes to Toronto’s climate resilience strategy by reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering overall energy demand during extreme weather events.

Carlyle Coutinho, Enwave’s president, announced that the deep lake water cooling expansion will increase the system’s capacity by 40 percent. “The expanded system is expected to be commissioned by the end of this year,” Coutinho stated. The project includes upgrading the Pearl Street heat transfer station and adding a fourth intake pipe in Lake Ontario.

At the heart of the expansion is the Pearl Street facility, dubbed “Enwave Green Heat.” This upgrade will enable the provision of low-carbon heating for an additional 10 million square feet of commercial towers in downtown Toronto, effectively making them net-zero in terms of heating. This expansion is expected to create new jobs in construction, engineering, and system maintenance, contributing to the local economy.

The deep lake water cooling technology operates on a surprisingly simple principle. Water is drawn from Lake Ontario at a depth of 85 meters, where it maintains a constant temperature of 4°C (39.2°F). This water is first treated at the Toronto Island filtration plant for use as drinking water. It’s then pumped towards the city, circulating through the extensive network of pipes that run through participating buildings.

The Pearl Street facility acts as a giant heat exchanger, transferring heat and cold between adjacent pipes. Depending on seasonal needs, water can be electrically warmed for hot water and heating or kept cool enough for air conditioning before being returned to the municipal drinking supply or Lake Ontario.

This system serves a diverse array of structures, including iconic landmarks like the Toronto-Dominion Centre, Brookfield Place, and Scotiabank Arena. It also supports critical infrastructure such as eight hospitals and, most recently, the Fairmont Royal York hotel. The inclusion of hospitals in the DLWC network enhances the city’s resilience, ensuring these crucial facilities have reliable, efficient cooling and heating even during extreme weather events or power outages.

The project’s expansion is partially funded by the federal government’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, highlighting its importance in Canada’s broader climate strategy. As the country aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the DLWC system plays a crucial role in reducing the energy consumption and carbon footprint of Toronto’s buildings.

Environmental experts largely praise the deep lake water cooling system for its efficiency and eco-friendliness. Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence, describes it as “smart and effective.” He notes that the system’s energy requirements are significantly lower than traditional air conditioning or heating methods, and in Ontario, it benefits from a power grid that’s already

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However, some environmental concerns persist. The system’s reliance on electricity for pumping and operating heat exchangers could potentially contribute to carbon emissions if the power source involves coal- or gas-fired plants. There are also considerations about the risks associated with nuclear

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Despite these concerns, building owners and developers are finding innovative ways to integrate with the deep lake water cooling system. For instance, Enwave partnered with developers of the Well, a mixed-use development, to install a thermal

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. This 7.6-million-liter tank acts as a

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storing energy during off-peak hours to reduce strain on the electrical grid and lower costs.

Some property owners have discovered unexpected opportunities to connect to the system. Steven ******, vice president of asset management at KingSett Capital, which owns the Fairmont Royal York, found that the deep lake water cooling infrastructure was already in place near the hotel’s foundation. This discovery facilitated the hotel’s energy retrofit, leading to its certification under the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building – Performance Standard.

Despite its impressive scale and impact, Coutinho believes the deep lake water cooling system deserves more global recognition. “We’re the biggest commercial deep lake company in the world and we’re one of the biggest commercial district energy companies in North America,” he emphasized.

Toronto’s deep lake water cooling system stands out when compared to similar projects worldwide. While other cities have implemented district

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, Toronto’s use of deep lake water makes it unique. For example, Stockholm uses seawater for district cooling, but its system serves a smaller area. Dubai has a large district cooling network, but it relies on conventional chillers rather than natural water sources. Toronto’s system demonstrates how cities can leverage their geographical assets for sustainable energy solutions.

The economic impact of the deep lake water cooling system extends beyond direct job creation. Buildings connected to the system benefit from reduced energy costs, making them more attractive to tenants and potentially increasing property values. This could lead to increased investment in the downtown core and contribute to Toronto’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development.

As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of climate change and sustainable urban development, Toronto’s expanding DLWC system stands as a testament to the potential of innovative, large-scale green infrastructure projects. Its continued growth and success could serve as a model for other urban centers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, enhance

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, and create more sustainable, energy-efficient cities.

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