As part of the Bioenergy facility expansion, the anticipated 12 MW biomass fueled hot water combustion boiler arrived on campus at the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF), and was craned into place for the next phase of the boiler placement.
The new 12 MW biomass boiler will increase the plant’s capacity to generate 70 per cent of the hot water (thermal production) needed in UBC’s district energy system to keep up with projected demand over the coming years. It also creates operational efficiency, saves annual operation costs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions — by re-purposing clean wood waste from other outside processes and sources.
Once the new boiler is operational, the expanded use of biomass as an energy source will continue to provide research opportunities for UBC faculty and students, and help UBC to advance towards its Climate Action Plan target of 67% GHG emission reduction by 2020 and 100% reduction by 2050 for the Vancouver campus.
