Electrifying Boston and Cambridge’s Steam System: Vicinity eSteamTM Provides Carbon-free Thermal Energy
Vicinity Energy Installs 42MW Industrial-scale Electric Boiler
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The world is increasingly aware that decarbonizing the built environment is critical to reaching net-zero goals. District energy systems are a key to accelerating the energy transition in our cities, on college and university campuses and locations with clusters of buildings. By aggregating, integrating and innovating, district energy systems achieve economies of scale to deliver lower-carbon energy to hundreds of buildings at a time. With the integration of a new 42-megawatt electric boiler in its Kendall Square facility in Cambridge, MA, IDEA member Vicinity Energy is showing the utility industry how to put those strategies into action and advance decarbonization efforts.
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It was a two-year journey from concept to commercial startup , but in November 2024 Vicinity began delivering “eSteam” to icustomers in Boston and Cambridge. As the first in the United States to introduce carbon-free eSteam™, Vicinity is setting a new standard and making tangible strides in its commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050. The district energy system utilizes 26 miles of underground pipes in Cambridge and Boston. The 42MW capacity of the new electric boiler is capable of covering about 30 million square feet of customer space. By leveraging existing infrastructure and integrating innovative technologies such as an industrial-scale electric boiler, Vicinity will be able to import renewable electricity through its co-located substations to power the electric boiler, generating carbon-free eSteam™. This will enable steam customers to achieve cost-effective compliance with state or local performance standards, accelerating clean energy adoption and the broader energy transition.
Watch timelapse video of the crew installing the 42-Megawatt electric boiler
Accelerating Clean Energy Adoption by Going 100% Carbon-free
One of the largest electric boilers in North America, this unit replaces a steam turbine at the Kendall co-generation facility in Cambridge.
Vicinity will use carbon-free renewable energy sources to generate eSteamTM for distribution. The process begins with the procurement of electricity from renewable, zero-carbon energy sources, which is delivered via the wholesale power grid to a co-located electric substation. This electricity then powers the industrial-scale electric boiler to convert water into carbon-free steam. Steam is then distributed to customers through underground piping infrastructure.
Vicinity CEO, Kevin Hagerty, also notes that traditional boilers convert natural gas to steam with an efficiency of between 80% and 85%, where Vicinity’s eBoiler converts electricity at a 99% efficiency rate. And, to put into perspective for Bostonians, the system is capable of decarbonizing the equivalent of 30 Prudential Centers, or for those outside of Boston, about 15 Malls of America.
Who is using eSteam?
Hagerty says that the delivery of eSteamTM marks a pivotal moment in the energy transition. “The growing and urgent need for carbon-free thermal energy is recognized from the demand received from Vicinity’s customers.” Both Emerson College in Boston and IQHQ in Cambridge will be using carbon-free steam for their respective portfolios of buildings, marking an important milestone for Emerson, an urban campus in downtown Boston.
Vicinity’s system exemplifies the scalability required for urban decarbonization, with its capacity to generate 110,000 pounds of steam per hour—an essential capability for municipalities striving to achieve net-zero emissions. This large-scale clean energy infrastructure is poised to play a critical role in meeting climate goals, supporting policymakers, and aligning cities with ambitious sustainability goals. Vicinity’s eSteam™ is an ideal path for businesses looking to seize the opportunity of decarbonizing the commercial heating and power sector.
What’s next for Vicinity Energy?
Following the successful launch of eSteam, Vicinity is turning its attention to the Charles River.
Plans call for installation of an industrial high temperature heat pump to leverage river water as a resource for district heating service to connected buildings. By integrating multiple resources, the Vicinity district energy system enables investments at economies of scale that may not be feasible for individual buildings in a dense urban environment where resilience and real estate are highly valued. Industrial scale heat pumps are widely used in district heating networks in Europe but are just now drawing attention in North America, as cities, communities and campuses seek to decarbonize heating.
Vicinity has committed to electrifying their entire portfolio by 2050, investing in innovations to deliver carbon-free energy to campuses, neighborhoods, cities and more across the country. Stay tuned for updates and insights by following Vicinity on LinkedIn:
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