Eagle Lake Green Energy Project
Key Sustainability Features:
- Micro-turbine generates approximately 1.1 gigawatts annually, equivalent to the power used by approximately 90 single family homes
- Will provide $700,000 net revenue over 25 years for the District of West Vancouver
- Only integrated green energy-community water system in BC
The Eagle Lake Micro Power Generation project is an award-winning independent energy project. Pacific Cascade Hydro Inc. launched the project to harness hydroelectricity from the district's water supply system in partnership with the District of West Vancouver. The initial feasibility study for the project was subsidized with a grant through the Green Municipal Funds, a federal-municipal partnership for the support of innovative projects that protect the environment. The project is the only one of its type in British Columbia and provides a notable example of green energy generation as a by-product of community water systems.
Eagle Lake's Micro Power Generation system generates hydroelectricity through a micro-turbine installed in a service reservoir 150 m below Eagle Lake. Before the water enters the municipality's water distribution system it flows through the turbine which captures energy that would otherwise be lost. The system produces approximately 1.1 gigawatt-hours per year, equal to 20% of the energy consumed by the District of West Vancouver's operations, or about 90 single family homes. BC Hydro purchases the energy through an Electricity Purchase Agreement.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Eagle Lake Micro Power Generation project provides the community with economic benefits. The District's initial investment of $328,000 will be recovered within 5 years, and $700,000 in revenue is expected over the agreement's twenty-five year term. It is hoped that other communities will follow West Vancouver's lead and install clean energy generation systems in association with existing municipal and regional water systems. The project is an example of the multiple functions and benefits that can be incorporated within a single system.
Tours: Not available
This post was imported from the 'Greater Vancouver Green Guide', it's part of the 'Green Guide Portal' to the Green Building Brain.