Study Details
Methodology
The one-year study will proceed in multiple phases:
Phase I: Conceptual Design resulting in a preferred scenario linking heat sources in Hamilton’s Bayfront Industrial Area to heat sinks (select buildings and campus style developments) in the vicinity of downtown Hamilton and its surroundings.
Phase II: Business Case Development resulting in a preliminary report citing commercial viability or conditions that would lead to commercial viability.
Stage Gate: Assessment and Evaluation of Project Viability resulting in a decision to a) proceed as planned; b) proceed with a modified plan; or c) end study.
Phase III: Front-End Engineering Design that includes a Class C cost estimate, market sounding analyses, and recommendations on financing, governance and operations.
Public release of the Study Report and Recommendations is expected to take place in mid-2024.
Study Sub-Projects
The study will benefit from the involvement of faculty, students and staff at two leading Hamilton area postsecondary institutions:
- The Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College will deliver a study addendum that recommends thermal energy storage technologies and practices best suited for the proposed heat network.
- The W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology within the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University will work with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and others to produce a study addendum that lays out potential policy alternatives to help enable the mainstream adoption of energy harvesting and district heating and cooling in Canada.
Study Supports
HCE has engaged the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce to drive outreach and engagement with a focus on ongoing communications, special events, government relations, and policy and advocacy.
HCE has also established three groups to help implement the study:
Study Steering Committee
The role of this committee is to provide HCE’s leadership team with strategic input to help guide the direction and execution of the study. It is comprised of individuals representing key study funders and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and meets quarterly or as needed.
Study Task Team
The role of this hands-on team is to offer ongoing “nuts and bolts” inputs (technical, commercial, and community insights). It is comprised of 15-18 individuals representing study stakeholders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The team will meet every two weeks throughout the study period.
Community Advisory Committee
The role of this committee is for HCE to gather ideas and insights from the wider community that can be applied to the current study and the long-term goal of advancing high-efficiency, low-carbon building heating and cooling in Hamilton and beyond. The committee is made up of individuals representing a wide cross-section of the Hamilton community and will meet three times throughout the course of the study.