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The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) Board of Directors approved grant funding for the Durham Region Transit’s (DRT) Scaling-up to Zero Emissions Transit in the region of Durham proposal.

Since 2017, DRT has been actively engaged in investigating transit electrification innovation opportunities throughout the region. In November 2019, Durham Region Council committed C$10.1 million (US$7.520 million) in federal gas tax funding towards DRT’s first battery electric buses and charging infrastructure as a pilot project to inform the transition of the region’s transit fleet to zero-emission buses over the next 10 years. This project will be an important step to implement the Durham Community Energy Plan and will demonstrate the region’s position as a leader in reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions.

TAF funding will specifically support DRT in advancing key analysis and design work for the electric bus project, including specifications for the buses and charging infrastructure, and key project components such as training, re-tooling, software and performance monitoring. These are essential steps to support procurement of the vehicles in 2021 and to prepare for their arrival in 2022.

“TAF is supporting Durham Region Transit’s electrification initiative because it’s a key route to zero carbon cities and has many local benefits, including job creation and improved health,” said Julia Langer, CEO, ATF. “Let’s all hop on the electric bus!”

Submitted in partnership with Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC), as part of the project, DRT will be examining infrastructure requirements and business model best practices, as well as determining specifications for the design, build, finance, operation and maintenance of electric bus charging solutions and associated grid upgrades at its Oshawa garage location.

“As a community-minded organization, it’s important that we enable leading energy projects like this,” said Ivano Labricciosa, president and CEO of the OPUC group of companies. “DRT’s efforts will lead to transformative carbon reductions and service improvements across Durham, making us a very proud collaborator and project partner.”

The project will also help inform the design of a new bus depot with the capability to support a 100 percent zero-emission fleet, with design work on the new depot expected to begin in 2021. To achieve this outcome, DRT will gather information while piloting eight battery electric buses and charging technologies. The project will enable DRT to acquire the necessary expertise and data to plan the effective transition of the fleet to zero-emission technologies, and to design its new bus depot to include zero-emission buses.

“Durham Region Transit is excited to be able to explore electric technology options, including battery electric and hybrids, for future fleet acquisitions,” said Bill Holmes, general manager of Durham Region Transit. “We are grateful for the funding provided by TAF and are eager to move forward with informing our plans for a zero-emission fleet at DRT.”

The total TAF grant value is approximately C$195,000 (US$145,340) over two years to support project management requirements for the proposal and is in addition to the previously announced region of Durham contribution from the federal gas tax funding, as part of the region’s commitment to sustainability and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Source: https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/hybrid-hydrogen-electric-vehicles/press-release/21141662/durham-region-transit-drt-the-atmospheric-fund-awards-grant-to-drt-for-electric-bus-project

Durham transit is getting another funding boost for its electric bus project.

The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) Board of Directors recently approved $195,000 in funding over two years for the “Scaling-up to Zero Emission Transit in Durham Region” to support Durham Region Transit (DRT) in advancing with their project. Support includes specifications for the buses and charging infrastructure, and key project components such as training, re-tooling, software and performance monitoring, all of which are essential steps to support the procurement of the vehicles in 2021 and to prepare for their arrival in 2022.

“TAF is supporting Durham Region Transit’s electrification initiative because it’s a key route to zero carbon cities and has many local benefits, including job creating and improved health,” says Julia Langer, CEO of TAF.

In November 2019, Durham Region Council committed $10.1 million in federal gas tax funding towards DRT’s first battery electric buses and charging infrastructure. The funding is part of a pilot project to transform the region’s transit fleet to zero emission buses over the next 10 years.

The project will also help with the design of a new bus depot with the capability to support a 100 per cent zero emission fleet, with design work on the new depot expected to begin in 2021.

As part of the project, in partnership with Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC), DRT will be examining infrastructure requirements and business model best practices, as well as determining specifications for the design, build, finance, operations and maintenance of electric bus charging solutions and associated grid upgrades at its Oshawa garage location.

OPUC President and CEO Ivano Labricciosa says Durham transit is looking to shrink its carbon footprint, noting Oshawa Power is proud to help bring Durham Region and the people of Oshawa to that forefront.

According to Labricciosa, scaling-up to zero emission transit over the next 10 years is expected to save an estimated 450 Mega Tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases between now and 2030.

“As a community-minded organization, it’s important that we enable leading energy projects like this,” says Labricciosa. “DRT’s efforts will lead to transformative carbon reductions and service improvements across Durham, making us a very proud collaborator and project partner,” he adds.

With a goal of transitioning to a fleet of nearly 200 buses to zero-emission technology by 2030, DRT will implement the first round of eight battery electric buses and charging technologies to gather information and will enable DRT to acquire the necessary expertise and data to plan the effective transition of the fleet to zero-emission technologies, and to design its new bus depot to include zero-emission buses.

“Durham Region Transit is excited to be able to explore electric technology options, including battery electric and hybrids, for future fleet acquisitions,” says DRT General Manager Bill Holmes. “We are grateful for the funding provided by TAF and are eager to move forward with informing our plans for a zero-emission fleet at DRT.”

Source: https://oshawaexpress.ca/durham-transit-acquires-funding-for-electric-bus-project/

The City of Oshawa is moving forward with efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

It’s teamed up with Oshawa Power to implement a new 600-kilowatt combined heat and power plant, which will be installed at the Delpark Homes Centre.

It will save the energy equivalent of 4,000 homes over its lifetime, the city said in a press release.

Deputy mayor Bob Chapman says the generator will provide “more efficient heating and cooling and less costly electrical prices, at the same time reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”

The initiative, approved by council, has been a top priority for a while.

“From the council perspective, we’ve taken a position to say what we’re doing in areas like this and other areas, we have to have that environmental lens on it,” Chapman said.

That sentiment was echoed by Durham regional chair John Henry.

“It’s an entirely new way of how we’re going to deal with the challenges of the future related to climate,” he said.

The power plant will be fuelled by natural gas. Although it is not 100 per cent renewable energy, it will be able to generate electricity and heat simultaneously.

It will also generate its own backup heat and electricity during a power outage.

“It’s a lower carbon footprint than it may otherwise be with just natural gas boilers, so it just makes common sense and it’s smart,” Oshawa Power’s CEO Ivano Labricciosa said.

The project isn’t just smart for its energy efficiencies, but for the city’s economic savings as well.

“The city can actually have an emergency shelter without actually putting the investment in,” Labricciosa said.

“It does create economic winds for them on both the price they pay for gas, because we’re buying in larger bulk and volume, than they would otherwise buy for this particular centre.”

The $3-million investment will be owned, operated and maintained by Oshawa Power. The system is expected to be up and running by the end of this year. City officials say it will have a lifetime of seven to eight years before it has to be replaced.

Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/6453201/oshawa-new-energy-project/

Oshawa, Ontario – EnerFORGE, along with equity partner, Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC), have announced the acquisition of a portfolio of Ontario-based renewable energy assets. These assets, located in Bruce and Huron Counties, have been added to the growing EnerFORGE distributed energy operating platform and are an exciting investment for both partners as they continue to forge ahead with the future of renewable energy generation growth in Ontario. This acquisition marks EnerFORGE’s entry into the wind generation space and adds 10 commercial scale solar installations to their current portfolio.

“The partnership with OREC was a perfect match when the opportunity to acquire solar and wind generation assets presented itself. For Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE the acquisitions are in line with the company’s strategic growth objective of expanding its renewable energy asset portfolio. This acquisition will increase Oshawa Power’s installed solar capacity by about 30%, while diversifying the company’s generation portfolio with the addition of the first utility-scale wind asset to the portfolio,” stated Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO of Oshawa Power Group of Companies.

“EnerFORGE is a leader in the Ontario renewable energy, cleantech, and energy transition space, and as a company we recognize it is not only core to our company’s strategy, but also that it is the right thing to do,” noted Scott Barker, Vice President, Business Development, EnerFORGE.

“OREC is excited to bring its co-operative ownership model to this wind turbine in partnership with EnerFORGE. Our co-operative is committed to welcoming members and investors from the surrounding communities and stay true to our principles of local ownership and continuing to diversify our growing renewable energy portfolio,” announced Graham Findlay, Vice President, OREC.

Fogler Rubinoff, The Redstone Company, and WSP Canada acted as EnerFORGE’s advisors on this transaction.

Media Contact:

Josh McCulloch

jmcculloch@opuc.on.ca

Collaborative infrastructure efforts set the stage to support electrification in the Durham Region and beyond.

EnerFORGE, part of the Oshawa Power Group of Companies, has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to become a minority shareholder in Brass Inc., a turnkey utility solutions organization in the Greater Toronto Area. This marks an early and significant milestone in delivering on the Group’s newly launched 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. EnerFORGE is focused on new partnerships with customers, community, and service delivery companies to enable strategic developments. Partnership with Brass initiates the commitment to delivering on the strategic priority of civil and infrastructure investment, as well as to further industry knowledge, workforce development, and support regional economic growth.

The collaboration between Brass Inc. and EnerFORGE anticipates synergies to expand the value proposition, promote and strengthen customer relationships, and leverage joint capabilities to enable scalable growth. Doug Proska, Managing Director of EnerFORGE (right) will join Adam Riewald, President (left) and Cody Newell, Chief Operating Officer, on the Brass Inc. Board to support in realizing synergies and growth execution.

Brass Inc., widely recognized for its expertise in supporting utilities with General Contracting in hydro, communication and underground solutions, will continue to deliver safe, efficient solutions tailored to meet evolving needs.

Quick Facts

• Oshawa Power Group of Companies Strategic GRID Priorities (Growing Green Energy and Services, Realigning Priorities to Achieve Consistent Stakeholder Value, Investing in Civil & Infrastructure Services and Delivering through a High Performance Environment) outlines a vision to be a trusted partner and leader in the energy sector today and tomorrow.
• Facilitating economic growth is a central theme of Ontario’s Electrification and Energy Transition Panel to prepare for electrification and the energy transition.
• Enhanced planning and development will better meet fast-growing demands from the Integrated Energy Plan.
• EnerFORGE was supported by advisors; MNP Corporate Finance Inc. and Fogler, Rubinoff LLP.

Quotes

“This investment reflects a partnership and commitment to being a trusted partner and a leader in the energy sector, while supporting the Government of Ontario’s efforts to deliver on electrification and expand and deliver more energy projects across the province, recently outlined in the new Integrated Energy Plan.”

– Daniel Arbour, President & CEO, Oshawa Power Group of Companies

“This partnership is about working with the right people to make a meaningful impact. We intend to create lasting relationships built on trust and quality services. The opportunities are there and we intend to meet them head on.”

– Doug Proska, Managing Director, EnerFORGE

“Brass Inc. is a family and legacy business and EnerFORGE has demonstrated they mirror our values. We recognize the market is evolving and this partnership further enables Brass to evolve with it.”

– Adam Riewald, President, Brass Inc.

About EnerFORGE

EnerFORGE focuses on intelligent positioning to provide value to its customers. EnerFORGE develops, owns, and operates infrastructure as well as provides ancillary utility services. EnerFORGE owns and operates electric vehicle chargers, solar, wind, renewable natural gas plant and combined heat and power systems to support decarbonization. EnerFORGE operates one of the largest district energy systems in Ontario for Toronto Community Housing providing cost effective and low carbon energy.

About Brass Inc.

For over two decades, Brass has set the standard for hydro excavation, core drilling, directional drilling, and industrial vacuum services in the greater Toronto area. Utility, telecommunications and manufacturing companies rely on their outstanding safety record and ability to consistently deliver superior results on time and on budget.

Media Contact

ecommunications@enerforge.ca

Oshawa, Ontario – On Wednesday, April 26, EnerFORGE joined together with partners Durham Region Transit (DRT), Nova Bus, the Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB), and the Durham Region to announce the beginning of DRT’s transition to an electric bus fleet, an important step towards achieving DRT’s E-Mission Zero program.

The initial pilot program will include the introduction of six fully electric-powered buses into DRT’s existing fleet, with the required charging infrastructure supplied and installed by EnerFORGE, a member of the Oshawa Power Group of Companies. Funding for the project is provided via the Canada Community-Building Fund administered by Infrastructure Canada.

“The Oshawa Power Group of Companies, through its energy services brand EnerFORGE, is pleased to support The Regional Municipality of Durham and Durham Region Transit with the installation of six eBus charging stations, supporting their E-Mission Zero program. This initial phase of eBus infrastructure sets the foundation for providing clean and reliable public transit for the community.”

– Doug Proska, Managing Director

Completion of charging infrastructure and initial rollout of the six buses is expected by fall 2024. EnerFORGE aims to continue supporting DRT’s transition to an all electric fleet by ensuring the initial buildout of required charging infrastructure provides a strong foundation as DRT aims to achieve a complete transition to electric transit by 2037.

EnerFORGE would like to congratulate our partners from DRT, Nova Bus, the CIB, and Durham Region for taking the first steps towards tackling transit emissions and accelerating the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation solution for our local communities.

 

Oshawa, Ontario – Oshawa Power and their affiliated low-carbon energy services provider, EnerFORGE, are proud to announce their signing of the Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“the Accord”). In signing the Accord, Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE are joining together with a growing number of industry leading companies in making a commitment to help build a strong culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the Canadian electrical industry.

“We’re proud to solidify our commitment together as a team by signing the Leadership Accord. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the foundation to innovation, community leadership, and living our corporate values. We acknowledge the importance of continuous improvement as we work to build a culture of respect and inclusion at Oshawa Power & EnerFORGE.”

Ivano Labricciosa, President & CEO

Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE have pledged to implement a set of clearly benchmarked initiatives developed by the EHRC and intended to foster an inclusive workplace culture. The commitment includes a two-year review to examine the organizations’ progress and develop a refreshed strategic pathway to meeting the aforementioned benchmarks.

“Our operations extend into growing and diverse communities. We recognize the tremendous opportunity this means for our organization with respect to leveraging a broad base of talent that is both representative of our customers and key to future success.”

Nancy Brandon, Director of People & Business Services

Operating in the heart of the Durham Region and throughout the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area, Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE are headquartered in one of Canada’s most culturally diverse areas. Building a culture of diversity and inclusion is an important step in the organizations’ approach to better understanding the needs of each customer group in order to deliver exceptional services across their territory.

Media Contact
Josh McCulloch
jmcculloch@opuc.on.ca
905-242-3186

 

At Canada’s largest social housing development, Regent Park, another summer heat wave will come and go without residents experiencing any impact to the supply of electricity that powers their homes and businesses.

Supported by one of Canada’s largest and most advanced district energy systems, the Regent Park community is well equipped to weather the impacts of the most extreme weather conditions. Under management by EnerFORGE’s experienced operations team, the district energy system provides heating and cooling infrastructure, along with backup power, to more than 12,000 residents.

Through ongoing preventative maintenance and day-to-day operations of the district energy system, EnerFORGE supports the development through maximizing efficiency. This allows the development to lower the cost to heat, cool, and power the connected buildings during normal operations. By lowering expenses related to these critical services, Canada’s largest social housing provider can increase funding for additional services that provide benefits to the local community.

During power outages, the system is also able to act as an emergency backup source for climate control and power. Capable of ‘islanding’, the system can currently support the six connected buildings during outages, keeping residents safe and comfortable at home.

The ability to provide backup power and climate control during power outages will become increasingly important as provincial capacity issues and extreme weather become more prevalent. The added stress to local and provincial grids during extreme heat, extreme cold, or severe storms can cause high impact outages during times that pose the greatest risk to customers without power.

This week at Regent Park, our expert team of operators will carefully monitor and maintain the district energy system, putting local residents first and ensuring they will be able to remain comfortable and have access to power despite any potential impacts that this heat wave may have on local power grids.

EnerFORGE, a leading provider of innovative energy solutions and affiliate of the Oshawa Power Group of Companies, is proud to announce a partnership with Eocycle to bring advanced distributed wind solutions to the Canadian market. EnerFORGE is the first commercial partner for Eocycle’s distributed wind technology in Canada.

EnerFORGE specializes in developing, constructing, and operating renewable and low-carbon energy assets to help build a more sustainable future across Ontario and across Canada. This collaboration with Eocycle represents a commitment to delivering top-quality, innovative energy solutions to Canadian customers, from feasibility studies to turnkey project execution and comprehensive after-sales service.

Eocycle’s ISO 9001 certified distributed wind technology includes the Eocycle EOX S-16 (25 kW) and EOX M-26 (90 kW) wind turbines. With this offering, Canadian customers can significantly reduce their energy costs while contributing to the energy transition and lowering their carbon footprint.

EnerFORGE and Eocycle’s approach includes a thorough assessment of each customer’s energy consumption profile to design an optimal sustainable distributed energy solution. This tailored approach optimizes wind energy and, when appropriate, integrates complementary solar and energy storage systems to maximize the financial return and energy autonomy for customers.

“The Eocycle wind turbines are a great match with our consultative approach to energy generation and our services portfolio,” says Doug Proska, Managing Director of EnerFORGE. “This tailored solution empowers our customers to take control of their energy use and seamlessly integrate renewable solutions into their residential or commercial properties. Our approach adapts to the specific needs of each project, offering customized, efficient energy solutions.”

Eocycle is excited about the opportunity to work with EnerFORGE to develop its distributed energy solutions across Canada. Following its many successes in the United States and in Europe, Eocycle is confident that EnerFORGE’s capabilities, combined with Eocycle’s superior product performance, will provide a very strong value proposition for Canadian businesses looking to accelerate their energy transition.

Eocycle’s technology is recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation as one of the top 1,000 solutions capable of protecting the environment in a profitable way. By utilizing wind energy and reducing carbon emissions, this collaboration between EnerFORGE and Eocycle promises to bring effective and sustainable energy options to Canada. For more information on EnerFORGE and Eocycle’s distributed wind solutions, please contact connect@enerforge.ca

About Eocycle Technologies
Founded in 2001, Eocycle Technologies offers energy independence to commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses through the development of profitable wind power solutions. Eocycle’s advanced technology helps our customers slash energy costs while significantly reducing their carbon footprint. These turbines require 50 times less land than solar, and produce energy day and night. Eocycle offers an end-to-end power generation solution, including project feasibility studies, permitting with state and local governments, construction, maintenance and various financing options. This is how we’re making affordable and reliable clean energy more accessible to rural operators who need it.

About EnerFORGE

EnerFORGE focuses on intelligent positioning to provide value to its customers. EnerFORGE develops, owns, and operates infrastructure as well as provides ancillary utility services. EnerFORGE owns and operates electric vehicle chargers, solar, wind, renewable natural gas plant and combined heat and power systems to support decarbonization. EnerFORGE operates one of the largest district energy systems in Ontario for Toronto Community Housing providing cost effective and low carbon energy.