• Bellingham gets the latest low-carbon heating and cooling system.
• Serves about 2,00,000 square feet of buildings.

Corix, a Vancouver-based low-carbon energy solutions provider, has developed a new energy system called the Bellingham District Energy Utility (BDEU) in collaboration with the Port of Bellingham.

The BDEU uses innovative technology to provide low-carbon heating and cooling to the Waterfront District in Bellingham, Washington. The objective is to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

What is BDEU?

It is a system that uses a central energy plant to transport hot and cold water to various nearby buildings. This functions much better and is more efficient than separate heating and cooling systems for buildings. The system uses low-carbon energy sources such as waste heat—that is, heat that would usually go to waste—from power plants.

Waste heat from Puget Sound Energy's Encogen Generating Station is captured by the BDEU, which then uses it to provide affordable, low-carbon energy to the Waterfront District. This reduces carbon emissions and saves water simultaneously.

Currently, the system serves about 2,00,000 square feet of buildings, with plans to serve more as the area grows. It is also modular, meaning it can increase capacity over time as more buildings are developed or new technologies become available.

Traditionally, heating and cooling buildings emit a lot of carbon into the atmosphere. To address this, cities like Bellingham are using district energy systems to reduce emissions while also conserving energy. The BDEU operates in line with the strict standards of Washington State’s 2021 Energy Code.

This project brings together public and private organisations, aims to redevelop the Waterfront District sustainably, and provides environmental and economic benefits to the communities.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting project and support the transition to clean energy in Washington State,” said Travis Hickford-Kulak, Chief Operating Officer – West at Corix. “Corix is committed to providing resilient, sustainable energy, and the BDEU is a phenomenal showcase of what’s possible when like-minded organizations come together to support that goal. We can’t wait to further expand our regional and national presence as we work towards a lower-carbon energy future.”

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Source: Corix