The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announced funding for an ambient temperature district energy system (DES) in the Cogswell District of downtown Halifax.
The project, which is part of the Cogswell Redevelopment area, will support a district energy system that supplies renewable energy from the nearby Halifax Wastewater Treatment Facility’s wastewater effluent to six mixed-use buildings within the district.
Once completed, customers will benefit from an energy efficient system that provides a rate-stable and clean energy source for years to come.
“By harnessing the energy resources of our existing wastewater infrastructure, it allows the Cogswell District Energy System to become an innovative and sustainable cornerstone of the areas redevelopment,” said Cathie O’Toole, General Manager of Halifax Water. “Once Halifax Regional Council HRM council approves a construction tender for the Cogswell Redevelopment, Halifax Water will move forward and seek final approvals to proceed with this project.”
The Government of Canada is investing more than $5.5 million in this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing more than $4.6 million, while the Halifax Regional Water Commission is contributing more than $3.7 million.
“Green projects like the Cogswell Redevelopment Area will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating important jobs and economic opportunities for Halifax residents,” added Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities MP for Halifax.
“Today’s funding announcement is an exciting step forward for the Cogswell District project,” added Jacques Dubé, CAO, Halifax Regional Municipality. “The district energy system aligns with our commitment to our long-term climate change plan to reduce emissions and harness sustainable energy in our communities. It will create many energy efficiencies for the new Cogswell District and will help us build for the future.”
Featured image: Granville Park in the Cogswell Redevelopment in Halifax. (Halifax Regional Municipality)
