Toronto is set to expand its groundbreaking deep lake water cooling system, enhancing its position as a leader in sustainable urban energy solutions.
Enwave Energy Corp., the owner and operator of this massive infrastructure project, is investing $100 million to expand the system’s capacity and reach, a move that promises significant economic and environmental benefits for the city.
The deep lake water cooling system, already the largest of its kind globally, currently serves 180 buildings across 40 million square feet of downtown Toronto real estate. It utilizes a network of underground pipes stretching 40 kilometers through the city and extending 5 kilometers into Lake Ontario. This expansive network not only provides efficient cooling and heating but also contributes to Toronto’s climate resilience strategy by reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering overall energy demand during extreme weather events.
Environmental experts largely praise the deep lake water cooling system for its efficiency and eco-friendliness. Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence, describes it as “smart and effective.”
The deep lake water cooling technology operates on a surprisingly simple principle. Water is drawn from Lake Ontario at a depth of 85 meters, where it maintains a constant temperature of 4°C (39.2°F). This water is first treated at the Toronto Island filtration plant for use as drinking water. It’s then pumped towards the city, circulating through the extensive network of pipes that run through participating buildings.
Depending on seasonal needs, water can be electrically warmed for hot water and heating or kept cool enough for air conditioning before being returned to the municipal drinking supply or Lake Ontario.