Friday, August 7, 2026
The National Capital Commission (NCC) and Hydro Ottawa Group, in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada through the Government of Canada’s Energy Services Acquisition Program, announced a 99-year district energy partnership for LeBreton Flats, in the National Capital Region.
The initiative brings a next-generation low-carbon district energy system to LeBreton Flats, leveraging the Energy Services Acquisition Program. The district energy system will substitute fragmented, individual building systems with a unified, more sustainable network that will provide heating and cooling directly to future buildings within the developing LeBreton Flats community.
The ESAP Energy Service Modernization project is No. on ReNew Canada’s 2026 Top100 Projects report.
“District energy systems present a smart, long-term alternative to the aging, standalone systems that many of our buildings have relied on for generations. Through this new partnership with Hydro Ottawa Group, our government is ensuring that the rapidly growing LeBreton Flats area of Ottawa will emerge as one of Canada’s most low-carbon urban developments for decades to come,” said Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
The district energy system is a key step toward realizing the sustainability vision set out in the National Capital Commission’s LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen community resilience and support the long-term goal of creating a vibrant zero-carbon neighbourhood that will be home to approximately 11,000 new residents.
“LeBreton Flats represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking community in the heart of Canadaʼs Capital Region,ˮ said Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission.
The NCC granted Hydro Ottawa the exclusive right to construct and operate the low-carbon district energy system throughout the National Capital Commission’s LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan area.
“By deploying this district energy system, we are establishing a new benchmark for sustainable and cleaner energy in large-scale urban development, ensuring our infrastructure supports lasting environmental and economic value,” said Bryce Conrad, president and CEO, Hydro Ottawa Group.
Featured image: (NCC)
