Saanich Peninsula Thermal Energy Recovery Project
The Saanich Peninsula system captures thermal energy from wastewater effluent to provide hot water and space heating using heat recovery technology.
The wastewater energy recovery and conveyance system was constructed at the Saanich Peninsula wastewater treatment plant in 2010-11 and represents an innovative and exciting chapter in resource recovery for the Peninsula communities. It is an effective way of turning wastewater effluent into a productive energy source for the CRD.
The recovered heat energy is currently being used to supplement heating requirements for the pool at Panorama Recreation Centre. The project was made possible by $2.98 million in funding from the federal Gas Tax Agreements Innovations Fund.
1. Wastewater leaves homes and is pumped to a treatment facility. Heat is transfered from
effluent to a clean heating media (usually water) through the use of heat exchangers.
2. The temperature of the warmed water is increased to a level useable by space heating systems through the use of heat pumps.
3. Heated water is then pumped and distributed through a network of pipes to its intended destinations.
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