Across the country, Vicinity teams are working hard to transform our facilities, enabling us to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. As we spearhead this next evolution of district energy, we’re sharing key updates at our facilities.
Vicinity’s district energy system in Grand Rapids, Michigan is making key electrification progress, with an electric boiler being installed in the coming months.
Future electrification plans for Grand Rapids revolve around distributed electrification, leveraging existing systems that already benefit from distributed generation and access to renewable resources. The electrification of our operations will allow us to offer eSteam™ to decarbonize our customers’ buildings and communities.
Learn more about the various changes we’re making to decarbonize our Grand Rapids district energy operations below and stay tuned for all future updates on our progress.
Grand Rapids electrification progress
October 2025 update
Our team has been working hard to get the new 9MW electric boiler operational. Construction of the new mezzanine was completed, allowing access to the electric boiler’s supporting infrastructure within the facility.
To operate this new electric boiler, the team is utilizing existing systems at the facility, like the water treatment system, RO system, and feed pump. However, the new electric boiler requires a different level of conductivity. To accomplish this, the team is installing supplemental water treatment to meet required specifications.
The upgrades coming at the facility over the next few months will allow for future growth and capacity. The team is utilizing existing systems and infrastructure at the plant to enable a timelier commissioning of the electric boiler.
Electrification progress
June 2025 update
On June 18, 2025, Vicinity officially kicked off our electrification strategy in Grand Rapids with a commemorative wrench turning ceremony.
Our customers, partners, and community members joined us at our Grand Rapids facility to mark the beginning of the installation of our new, 9MW electric boiler. Throughout the summer of 2025, the electric boiler will be installed at the facility. Once installed, our carbon-free thermal energy product, eSteam™, will be available to our customers throughout Grand Rapids.
The engineering and construction of this electric boiler is supported by the $2 million grant awarded to Vicinity by the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2024. This transition represents a significant step towards reducing reliance on traditional fuel sources and embracing cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.
Electrification progress
