Accelerating sustainability goals with eSteam™

eSteam™ is Vicinity’s unique and innovative carbon-free thermal energy product. Instead of fossil fuels, Vicinity utilizes carbon-free renewable energy sources to generate eSteam™ for distribution to customers.

What are the benefits of eSteam™?

Carbon-free

Vicinity will procure electricity from renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro to generate eSteam™.

99.99% reliability

Vicinity’s operational flexibility allows switching fuel and generating sources to avoid service interruptions.

capital savings icon

Lower cost

eSteam™ is a cost-effective option to cut carbon and meet sustainability goals.

Renewable wind energy icon

Maximum flexibility

Choose how much eSteam™ and the carbon-neutral electricity source to generate it.

Meet local building performance standards with eSteam™

eSteam™ can help building owners and developers meet local and federal building performance standards.

How does eSteam™ work?

Vicinity will use a combination of heat pumps, electric boilers, and thermal storage technologies to create carbon-free eSteam™.

1. Procure

Vicinity will procure electricity from renewable, carbon-free energy sources and import the power through a co-located electric substation.

2. Produce

Powered by renewable electricity, electric boilers and industrial-scale heat pumps will transform water into eSteam™. 

3. Optimize

Thermal storage provides on-demand eSteam™ production from stored, off-peak renewable electricity.

4. Distribute

Carbon-free eSteam™ will be distributed to customers through underground piping infrastructure.

Industrial-scale heat pumps to cut carbon

Vicinity is engineering a low-temperature source heat pump system for eSteam™ generation. In the next few years, we are installing an industrial-scale heat pump complex at our Kendall facility in Cambridge, MA.

industrial scale heat pump diagram
electric boiler at Kendall facility

Electrifying Boston and Cambridge

Vicinity’s electrification plans are underway at our Kendall facility in Cambridge, MA. Our new 42MW electric boiler will enter service in 2024.

Testimonials

See what our customers are saying about eSteam™.

At IQHQ, we have a commitment to developing class-A life science districts that provide our tenant, visitors, and communities at large with healthy, resilient, and responsible spaces. We are excited to partner with Vicinity Energy to decarbonize the steam serving our projects.

Jenny Whitson IQHQ, Director, Sustainability & ESG
IQHQ logo

eSteam™ FAQs

eSteam™

  • What is eSteam™?
    eSteam™ is Vicinity’s unique and innovative carbon-free renewable energy product. eSteam™ offers maximum flexibility and superior economic benefits compared to alternative onsite solutions. Vicinity uses carbon-free, renewable electricity to generate eSteam™, providing rapid decarbonization for commercial and institutional buildings in city centers.
  • How will Vicinity create and deliver eSteam™?
    To generate and deliver eSteam™, Vicinity is electrifying its operations by installing electric boilers, industrial-scale heat pumps, and thermal battery storage. Vicinity will procure electricity from renewable, carbon-neutral energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro. Leveraging our existing network of underground pipes, we will deliver eSteam™ to our customers without any effort.
  • What are the benefits of Vicinity’s eSteam™ product for customers?
    Electrification will enable Vicinity to generate steam with a zero-carbon emissions factor. This means that the eSteam™ energy you purchase from Vicinity is clean and sustainable. By using eSteam™, our customers will be able to enjoy many benefits, including
    • Carbon-free: eSteam™ is a carbon-free renewable energy product for rapid decarbonization
    • Maximum flexibility: Customers choose how much eSteam™ they want to use and the carbon-free electricity source
    • Superior economics: eSteam™ is the most affordable option to decarbonize your building compared to onsite alternatives
    • Maximum resiliency: Vicinity’s operational flexibility means that we can switch fuel and generating sources to avoid interruptions
  • Will Vicinity's electrification upgrades affect pricing for all customers?
    No. Electrification will not affect customers unless they choose to purchase electrified steam, known as eSteam™. There will be no changes in pricing from Vicinity’s electrification efforts. In the near term, if customers purchase eSteam™, the price will be different than steam generated from fossil fuels. However, our offer will be much more cost-effective than other electrifying alternatives. Because we operate at economies of scale, we can offer our customers the best pricing possible. We aim to manage affordability and sustainability on behalf of our customers. 

Decarbonizing commercial buildings with eSteam™

This white paper explores how Vicinity is electrifying our district energy systems to help urban centers rapidly and affordably achieve city and state carbon reduction goals.

Get started with eSteam™​ today

Reach out to our energy experts today to see if carbon-free eSteam™​ is the right fit for your building.