The Role of District Energy in

Introduction

This paper explores the opportunity and need to include thermal energy as part of any energy policy initiative going forward in Nova Scotia. Thermal energy is the energy needed to heat and cool communities, and both are obviously essential in our climatic conditions. Moreover, as temperature patterns, frequency and severity of weather events change due to climate change, there is a need to rely on secure and resilient systems to dependably meet thermal energy needs. This paper specifically focuses on District Energy (DE) opportunities (see description below). It describes how other countries have “leap-frogged” Canada in meeting their energy needs and environmental goals, sustainably and securely by adopting DE solutions. And it talks about how Nova Scotia can catch up by following a similar path.