Viewing Grant Proposal: Vicinity Energy_District Energy System Electrification

Vicinity is actively pursuing the electrification of its district energy system in Grand Rapids, MI. Currently, the system uses natural gas fired boilers for steam generation that is then distributed to approximately 120 buildings throughout Grand Rapids. This project will install an electric boiler with the necessary electrical infrastructure to reduce Vicinity’s reliance on natural gas for steam generation serving the Grand Rapids Community. Vicinity is the process of integrating steam generated by renewable energy into its generation mix through the interconnection of the Kent County Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility. The electrification and integration of renewable energy into the district energy system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18,330 Metric Tons of CO2e annually. In addition, the project is estimated to produce an estimated $2.2 million in economic benefit to the local community.
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Comments
Comment Date: Comment:
2/28/2024 1:44:05 PM
Dear MPSC Commissioners and Staff, I am writing to express Kent County’s full support of Vicinity Energy’s funding application to the Michigan Public Service Commission. The electrification of the district energy system in the City of Grand Rapids and integration of renewable energy from the Kent County WTE facility will reduce greenhouse gas emission by 18,330 Tons of CO2e annually, reduce our carbon footprint by displacing use of anthropogenic fuel, support Kent County and the City of Grand Rapids sustainability goals, provide economic impact benefit, resiliency for this integrated system, and meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. Kent County is confident that Vicinity Energy has the expertise and local support to complete this project. Thank you or your consideration of this project which if approved, will reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase the economic health and vibrancy of our region.
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3/15/2024 11:11:04 AM
Dear MPSC Commissioners and Staff, The Grand Rapids Chamber is pleased to offer support for Vicinity Energy’s proposed renewable energy and electrification project. We believe the project will have a positive impact on our local business community and contribute to our area’s economic growth and environmental sustainability. Vicinity’s role in owning and operating the district energy system in Grand Rapids, serving approximately 120 buildings in the downtown core, underscores its ability to significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint. This aligns with the Chamber’s goals of fostering sustainable development and supporting initiatives that benefit both business and the community. Vicinity’s plan to reduce carbon emissions through the incorporation of eSteam™ and the Kent County Waste-to-Energy (WTE) interconnect demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability while also offering tangible benefits to businesses. By reducing reliance of natural gas and incorporating renewable energy sources, Vicinity’s project will not only lower operational costs for businesses but also enhance our area’s attractiveness for investment and development. The Grand Rapids Chamber fully supports Vicinity Energy’s project and looks forward to its successful implementation. We believe it will strengthen our business community while also contributing to our city’s environmental sustainability goals.
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3/29/2024 12:51:14 PM
Dear MPSC Commissioners & Staff, I am writing in support of Vicinity Energy’s grant application. The proposed project to convert the existing natural gas fired boilers to electric as part of their eSteam program would be a major step forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for downtown buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBC-WM) facilitates the Grand Rapids 2030 District with a mission to reduce GHG’s from buildings, transportation and water. Vicinity is a key collaborator in this work alongside the City, commercial building owners, professional stakeholders and community organizations who are focused on equitable solutions that increase the health and well being of our residents. The interconnection to renewable energy from the Kent County Waste to Energy facility and later to the proposed Butterworth Solar array would have an immediate impact on the carbon footprint of downtown buildings that use steam as their source energy. This solution to reduce GHG’s upstream alleviates future capital investments by individual building owners and residents. In 2023 the City of Grand Rapids adopted a community wide emission reduction goal of 62.8% per capita by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline) and 100% by 2050. The Vicinity Energy eSteam project would be a major step forward in reaching this goal. We are excited by the forecasted economic and environmental impacts and have confidence in Vicinity’s expertise to manage and implement this project scope.
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