In this interview with Capital Analytics, Chief Customer Officer of Vicinity Energy Jackie Bliss discusses why district energy will be crucial to decarbonization efforts, as well as the current status of women leadership in the energy and utilities sector.
Tag: Grand Rapids
How century-old ‘district energy’ networks can help decarbonize cities
A clean energy future is in our grasp
By taking action and implementing a host of innovative energy strategies and technologies, Vicinity is leading the way to building decarbonization.
District energy is key to addressing our energy and climate challenges
This short video published by the International District Energy Association showcases the important role district energy plays in a clean energy future, through job creation, cutting carbon emissions and enhancing resiliency.
Vicinity Energy Cuts Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Grand Rapids with Purchase of Carbon Offsets
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., August 18, 2021 – Vicinity Energy, owner and operator of the nation’s largest portfolio of district energy systems, announces that it has purchased carbon offsets for its Grand Rapids district energy operations offsetting carbon emissions in the City by 95,400 metric tons over a three-year period.
Vicinity Energy supplies space heating and cooling, domestic hot and chilled water, humidification, and sterilization to over 100 facilities located in downtown Grand Rapids. Through its efficient district energy operations, Vicinity currently reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Grand Rapids by 11,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, the equivalent of removing 2,400 cars from the road. The purchase of carbon offsets will allow Vicinity to further support the sustainability efforts of the City of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids 2030 District Plan, offsetting carbon emissions by an additional 95,400 metric tons over a three-year period, without any additional cost to customers.
“The City of Grand Rapids and building owners in downtown Grand Rapids have received low-carbon energy from our district network for over a century, and this purchase of carbon offsets reinforces our commitment to the City and our entire Grand Rapids customer base in delivering thermal energy that is both reliable and sustainable,” said JJ Loew, Vicinity Energy general manager in Grand Rapids. “We’re proud to continue our greening efforts alongside the City and all our customers to reduce carbon emissions and increase climate resilience in our community, so that future generations may thrive here for years to come.”
“Sustainability is one of the City’s core values. Since 2008, the City has reduced our carbon emissions by 30%, which exceeds the 26-28% Paris Climate Accord target for 2025, and we remain committed to further reducing carbon emissions,” said Alison Waske Sutter, Grand Rapids’ sustainability and performance management officer. “Vicinity’s purchase of carbon offsets supports our mutual goals to continue measurable progress toward reducing carbon emissions for both our city government operations and community in order to achieve the 2030 District’s target of net zero carbon by 2050.”
This milestone in Grand Rapids marks another key step forward for Vicinity in its efforts to further green its district energy systems nationwide, including its recent purchase of carbon-free electricity in Baltimore and the integration of renewable biogenic fuel into its energy mix. Together, these actions bring Vicinity closer to its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is a clean energy company that owns and operates an extensive portfolio of district energy systems across the United States. Vicinity produces and distributes reliable, clean steam, hot water, and chilled water to over 250 million square feet of building space nationwide. Vicinity continuously invests in its infrastructure and the latest technologies to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial and institutional buildings in city centers. Vicinity is committed to achieving net zero carbon across its portfolio by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.vicinityenergy.us or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Media Contact
Vicinity Energy
Sara DeMille
Marketing and Communications
857-955-5073
sara.demille@vicinityenergy.us
Why university energy P3 deals are on the rise
Why university energy P3 deals are on the rise
On this episode, Brian Mueller, Chief Development Officer of Vicinity Energy, discusses the rise of energy public-to-private partnerships (P3) at universities in the U.S. Brian shares why colleges and universities are turning to P3 arrangements to accelerate the development of their next generation energy systems – and why this makes a lot of good sense.
About Crossroads: The Infrastructure Podcast
Crossroads is a podcast from the Inframation editorial team exploring the latest news and trends in the acquisition of infrastructure operational assets and companies. Established in 2002, Inframation is dedicated to the global infrastructure finance market, covering greenfield, brownfield and refinancing transactions. Hosted by Jon Berke, the editor of Inframation, Americas, the podcast explores topics ranging from commercial real estate to project finance and infrastructure funds.
A high energy conversation with Bill DiCroce
Dynamic districts, January 2021
by Energy Cast | Episode 105
In this episode of Energy Cast, host Jay Dauenhauer sits down with CEO, president and chairman Bill DiCroce from Vicinity Energy. Bill shares his thoughts on district energy networks, underscoring Vicinity’s pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and how the company and district energy is uniquely positioned to rapidly expand and deploy renewable strategies and energy sources to local cities and communities.
About Energy Cast
Energy cast is a podcast about the energy sector, with particular focus on business, policy and economic issues. Hosted by Jay Dauenhauer, each episode examines a facet of the energy sector – coal, oil/gas, nuclear, biofuels, battery, geothermal, hydro, wind, solar, and fusion – and the opportunities and challenges of bringing these technologies to the energy mix. As host of the Energy Cast Podcast for the past four years, Jay Dauenhauer, CSM, PMP, has an extensive energy background, including previously serving as a media analyst for TXU Energy and Executive Director of the Clean Coal Technology Foundation of Texas, working with stakeholders to pass clean energy legislation for the state.
Vicinity Energy Commits to Reaching Net Zero Carbon Emissions for all Operations by 2050
BOSTON, October 22, 2020 – Vicinity Energy, the nation’s largest district energy provider, announces its plan to reach net zero carbon emissions for all of its operations by 2050.
Vicinity Energy provides heat, hot water, cooling, chilled water, sterilization and humidification to over 230 million square feet (nearly eight square miles) of customer facilities in major cities across the United States. For more than 50 years, Vicinity has adapted and innovated to deploy cleaner energy technologies and strategies as they’ve become available – helping to reduce the carbon impact in cities like Cambridge, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Kansas City. In this next phase of its long-term energy vision, the company will continue to introduce renewables into its fuel supply mix and integrate large- and small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) resources to increase the efficiency of its district energy systems.
By building on this foundation to achieve net zero carbon emissions, Vicinity is clearly focused on a greener, cleaner, more sustainable future. Key strategies in the plan include:
- Utilizing biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels
- Electrifying generation to further reduce carbon emissions as the grid gets greener
- Investing in efficiency projects and district infrastructure
- Engineering microgrid and distributed energy solutions that leverage biofuel-capable CHP systems to improve resiliency
- Purchasing renewable electricity for Vicinity plants and auxiliary assets
- Exploring other innovative technologies, such as renewable natural gas, battery storage, hydrogen, CO2-based dispatch, and more.
By formalizing its commitment, the company will continue to provide 99.99% reliable, resilient services with a lower carbon footprint at highly competitive prices in relation to other energy alternatives.
“Our goal is to preserve the environment for future generations and ensure that energy remains affordable to our customers so they can continue to put their dollars toward mission-critical core operations. As clean energy technologies continue to evolve, our team is dedicated to leading the transition to a net zero carbon future by innovating, adapting quickly to renewable strategies and developing opportunities to green our system,” said Bill DiCroce, Vicinity President and CEO. “Together with our employees and strong local partners, we will reach this goal by 2050 so that our communities can thrive in a much greener future.”
Currently, Vicinity eliminates more than 500,000 tons of CO2 annually from its operations, the equivalent of taking 110,000 cars off the road. Vicinity’s new Clean Energy Future is intended to reduce an additional 1.7 million tons of carbon across the 12 major cities where it operates, which means reducing emissions by an additional 55,000 tons every year to reach net zero carbon by 2050.
The immediate next step in the plan includes incorporating biofuels in select district energy facilities, starting this winter. For more detailed information, read the complete Vicinity Clean Energy Future.
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is a clean energy company that owns and operates an extensive portfolio of district energy systems across the United States. Vicinity produces and distributes reliable, clean steam, hot water, and chilled water to over 230 million square feet of building space nationwide. Vicinity continuously invests in its infrastructure and the latest technologies to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial and institutional buildings in city centers. Vicinity is committed to achieving net zero carbon across its portfolio by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.vicinityenergy.us or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Media Contact
Vicinity Energy
Sara DeMille
Marketing and Communications
857-955-5073
sara.demille@vicinityenergy.us
Vicinity Energy is Now the Largest Provider of District Energy Solutions in North America
BOSTON, Massachusetts – Antin Infrastructure Partners has, today, finalized its purchase of Veolia North America’s district energy assets in the United States. Now officially named Vicinity Energy, the district energy business is comprised of steam, hot and chilled water and electricity production plants, including cogeneration, across 13 networks in 10 major cities. As its first big energy acquisition in the U.S., Antin, a global infrastructure fund, has expanded its presence in the district energy market to own the largest platform in North America.
With over 50+ years in the district energy business, Vicinity Energy may have a new name and brand, but its current leadership team and experienced engineers, operators and energy experts will largely remain the same as part of the terms of the sale. With the financial backing of Antin, Vicinity is poised for growth while continuing to deliver upon its commitment to customers: to safely meet their mission-critical energy needs by providing cutting-edge technical expertise, dedicated personal service, infrastructure and investments so they’re able to focus resources and capital on achieving their core business objectives.
“In a carbon-neutral future, growth will be determined by the kinds of energy partners whose expertise can enable local governments, companies and institutions alike to meet their sustainability goals, while also ensuring the vitality and resilience of energy infrastructure in a savvy and customized way,” said William DiCroce, president and chief executive officer of Vicinity Energy. “Through our employees’ unmatched engineering, operations and technological expertise, Vicinity will continue to advance sophisticated technologies and energy services that meet our customers’ needs in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, while ensuring that they have the reliable, cost-effective, resilient and environmentally responsible energy they need to thrive.”
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is a clean energy company that owns and operates an extensive portfolio of district energy systems across the United States. Vicinity produces and distributes reliable, clean steam, hot water, and chilled water to over 230 million square feet of building space nationwide. Vicinity continuously invests in its infrastructure and the latest technologies to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial and institutional buildings in city centers. Vicinity is committed to achieving net zero carbon across its portfolio by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.vicinityenergy.us or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Media Contact
Vicinity Energy
Sara DeMille
Marketing and Communications
857-955-5073
sara.demille@vicinityenergy.us
Vicinity Energy Launches as Largest District Energy Provider in North America
BOSTON, Massachusetts – Antin Infrastructure Partners, a global infrastructure fund, recently announced the creation of a new brand, Vicinity Energy, following its purchase of Veolia North America’s district energy assets in the United States. The newly launched Vicinity Energy is comprised of central energy plants and associated distribution networks that supply steam or hot water, chilled water and electricity, across 13 networks in 10 major cities. It is the largest district energy provider in North America.
Headquartered in Boston, Vicinity Energy currently supplies energy and related services to in excess of 200 million square feet of building space with its largest networks located in downtown Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Kansas City. Supplied by over 400 megawatts (MW) of combined heat and power (CHP) production, Vicinity is a greener alternative to conventional heating/cooling/electricity supply and its plants are the most efficient large generators on their respective power grids. With over 50 years in the district energy business, the company’s leadership team – and experienced engineers, operators and energy experts – has remained intact as part of the terms of the sale. These 450+ employees will continue to serve their client’s mission-critical energy needs.
Sectors such as life science and biomed are embracing district energy technology due to its resiliency and reliability. For medical centers and hospitals, district energy supplied heating, cooling, humidification and equipment sterilization are crucial to patient clinical and surgical care. Commercial property owners can transfer their energy risks while recapturing valuable amenity space such as parking and rooftops. Developers can expect expedited permitting with a low carbon solution that requires no onsite combustion.
“With Antin’s strong financial backing and planned infrastructure investments, Vicinity has the opportunity to leverage its veteran expertise and apply it to the growth and advancement of district energy systems across the U.S.,” said William DiCroce, president and chief executive officer of Vicinity Energy. “Today’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly, which is why property owners, developers, and major institutions alike are increasingly gravitating toward this established technology, recognizing it as a green, cost competitive and super-reliable energy option. Cities also recognize the important role we play in reducing the carbon footprint of their environs.”
The completion of this deal, which was announced in July and closed on December 30th of last year, represents Antin’s first big energy acquisition in North America. The infrastructure investment firm’s financial backing, coupled with Vicinity’s experienced team, poises the company for accelerated growth of its environmentally friendly products and services.
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is a clean energy company that owns and operates an extensive portfolio of district energy systems across the United States. Vicinity produces and distributes reliable, clean steam, hot water, and chilled water to over 230 million square feet of building space nationwide. Vicinity continuously invests in its infrastructure and the latest technologies to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial and institutional buildings in city centers. Vicinity is committed to achieving net zero carbon across its portfolio by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.vicinityenergy.us or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Media Contact
Sara DeMille
Marketing and Communications
857-955-5073
sara.demille@vicinityenergy.us
