Academic District Energy System (ADES) Electric Boiler & Thermal Energy Storage (TES)
Project Snapshot: ADES Electric Boiler & Thermal Energy Storage (TES)
Project Size: 336 gross square metres
Budget: $41.7 million estimate
Status: Submitted for board approval
Occupancy: TBD
Project Manager: TBD
Project Summary
The Academic District Energy System (ADES) Electric Boiler & Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is an upcoming UBC Capital Project. This project will help meet the university’s growing energy demands and support its climate goals.
Energy & Water Services forecasts that by the 2030/31 winter session, on the coldest days, UBC is at greater risk of not meeting peak campus energy demand without additional capacity. To stay ahead of this challenge, the university plans to expand the energy production and storage capacity of the Academic District Energy System (ADES) by adding an electric boiler and TES tank at the Campus Energy Centre. The new system will work by using electricity during off-peak hours, when it’s more available and affordable, to heat stored water. That stored energy can then be used during peak demand times to supply buildings with heat. This will make our energy system more efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 3,300 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
The proposed core infrastructure project involves adding 10 megawatts (MWs) of electric boiler capacity and a 100 megawatt-hour (MWh) TES tank to the existing Campus Energy Centre (CEC). Ancillary electrical infrastructure upgrades, such as transformers, switch gear, and other components, will support the TES. A small new building next to the CEC will house these upgrades.
The project successfully aligns infrastructure planning required to meet the forecasted energy demand for campus growth with the University’s climate commitments. It advances the CAP2030 emissions reduction goals. Alongside other initiatives, it helps to transition the ADES to 100% clean energy by fiscal year 2030/31, supporting UBC’s commitment to be a global leader in addressing climate change.