Water Cooling System Expansions
Toronto’s Deep Lake Water Cooling System Will Undergo an Expansion
Georgia Wray Norsten — November 20, 2024The deep lake water cooling system, a crown jewel of Toronto’s sustainable energy solutions, is undergoing an exciting expansion, boosting its capacity by 40%. Operated by Enwave Energy Corp., this pioneering infrastructure harnesses Lake Ontario’s cool depths to provide energy-efficient heating and cooling to over 180 buildings across downtown Toronto.
With a $100 million investment, the expansion introduces a fourth intake pipe and upgrades the Pearl Street heat transfer station, aptly dubbed “Enwave Green Heat.” This extension aims to provide low-carbon heating for an additional 10 million square feet of commercial space, contributing to Toronto’s net-zero goals while creating local jobs in construction and engineering.
At its core, the system uses 4°C water drawn from Lake Ontario’s depths to circulate through a 40-kilometer pipe network, delivering sustainable climate control to landmarks like Scotiabank Arena and eight critical hospitals. Funded by Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund, this project cements Toronto’s global leadership in green urban innovation while setting a gold standard for cities worldwide.
Image Credit: Jorge Vasconez on Unsplash