Boston-based Veolia Energy North America announced that it has awarded a design-build contract to Progressive Architects and Engineers to upgrade Veolia Energy’s Grand Rapids district energy (heating and cooling) system.
Based in Grand Rapids, Progressive AE will design and install a cutting-edge condensing heat exchanger, which is a sophisticated heat recovery technology that will reduce the volume of fuel consumed by at least 5 percent.
This major upgrade will ensure competitive steam rates for customers served by the Grand Rapids district energy plant, while lowering the cost per pound of steam produced and reducing its overall carbon footprint. The reduction in carbon dioxide will be approximately equivalent to the emissions of 1,000 cars.
Scheduled to be completed by November, the project will be implemented using local subcontractors and will employ nearly 25 local workers during various periods of construction. Williams & Works, another local engineering firm, will serve as Owners’ Representative for the project.
“The city applauds Veolia Energy for its continued commitment to Grand Rapids,” said Mayor George Heartwell. “In just six months since it purchased the county’s steam system, Veolia Energy has made significant efficiency upgrades that have helped Grand Rapids become a more sustainable community while investing in local businesses and workers.”
Since the acquisition of the Kent County District Heating and Cooling system in December 2008, Veolia Energy has undertaken a systematic implementation process to increase the efficiency of the operations. The installation of the condensing heat exchanger is just one of several planned upgrades, which will also include re-insulating piping in manholes to reduce heat loss and reducing distribution system leaks. In addition, Veolia Energy will replace the old low pressure distribution system, which constitutes about one quarter of the total distribution system, with a high pressure system over the next three years.
“We are dedicated to identifying and implementing improvements to our system that will benefit the community of Grand Rapids,” said Keith Oldewurtel, vice president and general manager of Veolia Energy Grand Rapids LLC. “In addition to improving the system’s overall efficiency, these upgrades demonstrate our dedication to spurring economic development by making the system more sustainable, and delivering low costs to our customers in the process.”
District energy plays an integral role in Grand Rapids’ infrastructure, where Veolia Energy serves approximately 125 commercial, government, institutional and healthcare customers. The centrally-produced thermal energy is distributed to customers in the Central Business District along 4 miles of high pressure and 1.5 miles of low pressure steam pipes.
More at www.veoliaenergyna.com.
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