District Energy - a platform for coupling heating, electricity, and data center sectors

Speakers: Gerard MacDonald & Sonja Wilson - Reshape Strategies

Advancing the energy transition will demand larger, cleaner electric grids and smaller, greener gas networks. These transitions will take place in parallel with tremendous growth in the data center industry. In this session we will explore the promise of district energy to enable a lower cost, more resource efficient, and more reliable energy transition. We will present a summary of North American's leading district energy market, Metro Vancouver, and discuss the technical, business, and policy aspects of scaling district energy in BC and Canada.

Sonja Wilson, M.Sc., P.Eng.
Principal, Reshape Infrastructure Strategies

Sonja is a Principal with Reshape Strategies, a Vancouver-based
consulting firm that specializes in low-carbon energy system
development and low-carbon energy transition strategies. Sonja is a
Professional Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s in Resource
Management and Environmental Studies, and over thirteen years of
experience in the field of district energy (DE). Her DE experience
ranges from planning and feasibility studies through to detailed design
and construction projects. Sonja’s practice at Reshape includes the
development of regional/city-wide DE plans as well as supporting DE
project implementation from the feasibility study phase into internal
business case development, ownership/business strategies and
commercial agreement negotiation.

Gerard MacDonald P Eng (Non-Practising)

Principal, Reshape Infrastructure Strategies

Gerard is a Principal with Reshape Strategies, a Vancouver-

based energy and infrastructure consultancy. He serves on the

board of the International District Energy Association, and

several building decarbonization committees. Gerard is a

Professional Engineer (non-practising) with a Master’s degree

in Clean Energy Engineering with more than 20 years experience. He

provides advisory and system development support to public

and private sector clients on the technical, business, and policy

dimensions of transitioning thermal, gas, and electric networks.