District Power Programs: Canada’s Lacking Infrastructure

Summary: Over 60% of Canada’s energy demand is thermal energy (heat). The building heat market penetration for district energy – hot water pipes connecting central energy plants to multiple buildings – ranges from 55-95% in most northern countries. It is 1% in Canada. This presentation will explore the role for district energy, often developed in combination with solid biomass energy plants, in decarbonizing Canada’s cities and towns. Examples from the cities leading the world in decarbonization, including Copenhagen and Stockholm, will showcase why district energy is required infrastructure to reach Net Zero.

Short bio: Dr. Jamie Stephen is the Managing Director of TorchLight Bioresources, Canada’s leading bioenergy consultancy and project manager. Clients include national, provincial, and municipal governments, First Nations, utilities, airlines, bioenergy producers, and national industry associations. TorchLight has completed multiple contracts for the Government of Canada on the role of bioenergy, including its use in combination with district energy for urban decarbonization, in reaching Net Zero. Dr. Stephen holds a PhD in Forest and Bioenergy Economics and a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia. He has advised governments and private firms on over $500 M in renewable energy and bioproduct investment.