The City of Saskatoon is demonstrating leadership in cold climate energy efficiency with the successful operation of combined heat and power (CHP) units in two of the City's largest leisure facilities and by increasing awareness of the benefits of CHP in Saskatchewan. The efficiency of the City's CHP units is reducing utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions at the two facilities.  The leadership shown by the City has made it easier for building owners to consider CHP for their own facilities.

The technology is called "combined heat and power" because after the electricity is generated by the system, the waste heat is used in the building. Aquatic centres are ideal locations to install these systems as pools and hot tubs require heating year-round. The Shaw Centre and Lakewood Civic Centre were selected as suitable sites to install and test the CHP units.

"This project demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting projects that save energy and reduce emissions," said Parliamentary Secretary Kelly Block, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "We continue to invest in energy technologies that have the greatest potential in terms of economic and environmental benefits."

"The two CHP units will save the city approximately $135,000 a year in utility costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,100 tonnes every year," says Mayor Donald Atchison. "The City invested $375,000 in the two units and that will be repaid to taxpayers through the savings. In the future, the savings will help defer the costs of operating these two facilities."

The total project cost is $1.3 million. Natural Resources Canada is contributing $600,000 through the Clean Energy Fund and the Market Development Incentive Payments Fund. The City is contributing $375,000 and SaskEnergy has provided the remaining $325,000 in funding in 2013.

Truong Duy