University Of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Brookfield Energy Australia have signed an agreement that will see the pioneering use of shared cooling energy in Australia.
Brookfield’s Central Energy Plant, which supplies chilled energy to Central Park will soon be sending some of that energy to UTS through thermal delivery pipes. This will result in significant improvements in energy efficiency, a notable reduction in environmental impact, and cost savings.
With an infrastructure of thermal delivery pipes already planned, it is envisioned that many more users in the Ultimo precinct will be connecting to and sharing Brookfield’s cooling energy supply.
Richie Sheather, CEO of Brookfield Energy Australia is enthusiastic about future potential:
“Brookfield Energy Australia is pleased to be working with UTS on this innovative initiative. The more this plant is utilised, greater long-term energy cost efficiencies will be achieved for all users. We look forward to working with more properties in the local area to connect to this district system.
We see District Energy as a way of the future and anticipate working on similar initiatives in other parts of Australia”.
City of Sydney already had an environmental upgrade agreement with Brookfield’s Central Energy Plant to supply clean energy to the thousands of apartments in the Central Park development. Sydney Lord Mayer Clover Moore believes this new shared energy initiative is the way forward for a sustainable future:
“It’s great news the network is now expanding across the road to UTS, and we hope to see other businesses and building owners in the area take advantage of the environmental efficiencies and cost savings district energy systems can bring.
With 80 per cent  of greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Sydney area coming from buildings, it’s important we keep looking for innovative ways to create sustainable, energy efficient developments.”
UTS continues to be a leader in cutting edge sustainable design and innovative thinking.
The cooling contract will see the purchase of chilling energy requirements for a 15-year period and is due to be implemented in 2018.