Federal government partners with industry to develop and apply clean energy technology at Dockside G
Things are heating up at Dockside Green in Victoria, but not at the climate's expense. And Canada's New Government is helping to make innovative green technologies work in our communities. The federal government's Department of Natural Resources has contributed a total of $2.29 million to development of an innovative new Canadian technology called biomass gasification, a process that generates low-cost heat and power using biofuels. It's a clean energy technology that can reduce emissions from buildings significantly.
Dockside Green is setting the standard for green residential developments in North America and around the world. Dockside recently announced that it will heat its buildings using biomass gasification. The developer, Joe van Belleghem from Windmill Developments, looked around the world for the right technology and found it in BC's own backyard. The system is manufactured by Nexterra Energy Corp., a Vancouver firm that develops and delivers advanced clean energy gasification systems.
"Dockside Green is a great example of how energy technology investments can provide practical solutions to use less and live better," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources at a ceremony last month to announce Dockside's adoption of the new technology. "Choosing renewable energy sources in our buildings will lead to real reductions of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
Funding for the Dockside Green project was provided by Technology Early Action Measures (TEAM), an interdepartmental technology investment program, lead by Natural Resources Canada. TEAM supports projects that are designed to demonstrate technologies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions nationally and internationally and sustain economic and social development. TEAM's unique approach brings together industry, community and international partners to encourage additional investment in innovative technology.
Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) has also provided support for this project. The Office of Energy Efficiency - Canada's centre of excellence for energy conservation, energy efficiency and alternative fuels information - is playing a dynamic leadership role in helping Canadians save millions of dollars in energy costs while contributing to a healthier environment.
By employing Nexterra's technology, Dockside Green is taking concrete action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Reducing emissions from buildings to the point where they are carbon-neutral is one of many things that Dockside Green must to do to be a world-class sustainable community.
Nexterra's gasification system is perfect for an urban environment. It is a proven, simple, ultra-clean technology that sets a new standard for converting biomass into useful heat energy. Wood waste is converted into a clean-burning synthetic gas that can be used much like natural gas. The entire system is housed in a small, aesthetically pleasing building that fits in with the local surroundings.
"The federal government supported research and approval costs and the installation in the early years prior to full build-out of the development. The net result is the creation of a model that will mean certain local and export opportunities for biomass heat generation utilizing a BC company," said Van Belleghem. "This is yet another example of how the federal government can support project partners Vancity, Nexterra, Corix, Terasen Energy Services, and BC Hydro
- with support from the Government of BC and the City of Victoria - are demonstrating that we have the knowledge, experience and technology here in Canada to help meet climate change and other environmental challenges."
The largest development of land in Victoria's history, once complete Dockside Green will be a community for approximately 2,500 people incorporating the very highest in green standards. It is a multimillion dollar project that includes residential, live/work, hotel, retail, office, light industrial uses and numerous public amenities to be built over the next decade.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) plays a pivotal role in helping shape the important contributions of the natural resources sector to the Canadian economy, society and environment. The department conducts innovative science to generate ideas and transfer technologies to Canadians in all sectors and regions. By promoting the responsible use of our natural resources, NRCan builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring the quality of life in our communities, a healthy environment and continued economic prosperity - for the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations.