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Vicinity Energy Secures 20-Year Contract to Provide Heat and Hot Water to America’s Oldest Theatre

Posted on December 17, 2020January 22, 2025 by Vicinity Energy

PHILADELPHIA, December 16, 2020: Vicinity Energy, owner of the nation’s largest portfolio of district energy systems, has secured a 20-year steam contract with Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre, America’s oldest continuously operating theatre. This new heat and hot water agreement expands upon the longstanding working relationship between the two organizations and is a key element of Walnut Street’s $39 million theatre expansion.

Planned to be completed in 2022, the “Future Lives Here” project is aimed at continuing the theatre’s mission of serving the community through storytelling, education and entertainment. Vicinity will supply 3,710 Mlbs of steam annually to deliver both heating and domestic hot water for the existing facility and 35,000-square-foot addition. The expansion includes a fully renovated lobby and box office, additional space for its growing education programs, two state-of-the-art rehearsal halls, a 400-seat theatre-in-the-round (the first of its kind in the region), and a restaurant.

Walnut Street Theatre has been a cornerstone of the city’s arts and performance community since 1809, and Vicinity Energy has been supplying the theatre with thermal energy for over 30 years. With well-established locally managed energy facilities powered by sustainable combined heat and power (CHP) and renewable energy, Vicinity supplies heating and cooling to over 400 buildings in the Philadelphia area with 99.99% reliability. The company actively works to reduce carbon emissions, participating in the Greenworks of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Energy Authority’s Energy campaign. Through Vicinity’s Clean Energy Future – a formalized commitment, vision and roadmap to achieve net zero carbon by 2050 – Vicinity is helping to create a cleaner, greener environment in Philadelphia for generations to come.

“District energy is all about providing local solutions to address the global demand for energy sustainability, affordability and reliability. Vicinity is proud to provide first-class service, especially to an historic landmark and vibrant part of Philadelphia’s culture like Walnut Street Theatre. We have a strong commitment to the communities that we serve, and are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Walnut Street Theatre and the city of Philadelphia,” said Bill DiCroce, Vicinity CEO.

“Reliable service is essential in operating the Walnut Street Theatre, America’s oldest theatre. We chose Vicinity to meet today’s modern demands in operating our National Historic Landmark because of their outstanding track record and dedication to the community,” said Mark D. Sylvester, Managing Director of the theatre.

The theatre funded the renovation efforts through donations from subscribers, individual ticket buyers, friends, corporations and foundations, as well as from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

About Vicinity Energy

Vicinity Energy is a clean energy company that owns and operates an extensive portfolio of district energy systems across the United States. Vicinity produces and distributes reliable, clean steam, hot water, and chilled water to over 230 million square feet of building space nationwide. Vicinity continuously invests in its infrastructure and the latest technologies to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial and institutional buildings in city centers. Vicinity is committed to achieving net zero carbon across its portfolio by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.vicinityenergy.us or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Media Contact
media@vicinityenergy.us

Vicinity Energy Commits to Reaching Net Zero Carbon Emissions for all Operations by 2050

Posted on October 22, 2020January 22, 2025 by Vicinity Energy

BOSTON, October 22, 2020 – Vicinity Energy, the nation’s largest district energy provider, announces its plan to reach net zero carbon emissions for all of its operations by 2050.

Vicinity Energy provides heat, hot water, cooling, chilled water, sterilization and humidification to over 230 million square feet (nearly eight square miles) of customer facilities in major cities across the United States. For more than 50 years, Vicinity has adapted and innovated to deploy cleaner energy technologies and strategies as they’ve become available – helping to reduce the carbon impact in cities like Cambridge, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Kansas City. In this next phase of its long-term energy vision, the company will continue to introduce renewables into its fuel supply mix and integrate large- and small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) resources to increase the efficiency of its district energy systems.

By building on this foundation to achieve net zero carbon emissions, Vicinity is clearly focused on a greener, cleaner, more sustainable future. Key strategies in the plan include:

Utilizing biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels
Electrifying generation to further reduce carbon emissions as the grid gets greener
Investing in efficiency projects and district infrastructure
Engineering microgrid and distributed energy solutions that leverage biofuel-capable CHP systems to improve resiliency
Purchasing renewable electricity for Vicinity plants and auxiliary assets
Exploring other innovative technologies, such as renewable natural gas, battery storage, hydrogen, CO2-based dispatch, and more.

By formalizing its commitment, the company will continue to provide 99.99% reliable, resilient services with a lower carbon footprint at highly competitive prices in relation to other energy alternatives.

“Our goal is to preserve the environment for future generations and ensure that energy remains affordable to our customers so they can continue to put their dollars toward mission-critical core operations. As clean energy technologies continue to evolve, our team is dedicated to leading the transition to a net zero carbon future by innovating, adapting quickly to renewable strategies and developing opportunities to green our system,” said Bill DiCroce, Vicinity President and CEO. “Together with our employees and strong local partners, we will reach this goal by 2050 so that our communities can thrive in a much greener future.”

Currently, Vicinity eliminates more than 500,000 tons of CO2 annually from its operations, the equivalent of taking 110,000 cars off the road. Vicinity’s new Clean Energy Future is intended to reduce an additional 1.7 million tons of carbon across the 12 major cities where it operates, which means reducing emissions by an additional 55,000 tons every year to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

The immediate next step in the plan includes incorporating biofuels in select district energy facilities, starting this winter. For more detailed information, read the complete Vicinity Clean Energy Future.

About Vicinity Energy

Media Contact
media@vicinityenergy.us

Vicinity Energy Acquires District Energy System Serving West Virginia University in Morgantown

Posted on July 6, 2020January 22, 2025 by Vicinity Energy

BOSTON, MA and MORGANTOWN, WV, July 6, 2020 – Vicinity Energy announced today that it has acquired Morgantown Energy Associates, the district energy system serving West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, West Virginia, from an investment affiliate of Starwood Energy Group Global, L.L.C. This system provides steam to the Big 12 University’s more than 60 buildings located throughout five campuses. Morgantown is now the 12th city served by Vicinity and brings its portfolio to a total of 19 district energy networks.

Located on the banks of the Monongahela River, the system was constructed and began servicing WVU in 1992, historically burning coal as its primary fuel supply to distribute steam through a 2.25 mile underground distribution system. Vicinity ceased coal operations in June and will primarily burn natural gas to meet the heating, cooling, domestic hot water and sterilization needs of the University and Medical Center’s footprint of 9.8 million square feet, eliminating approximately 50 percent of the steam system’s carbon footprint. Also, it will further improve air quality for WVU by significantly reducing other air pollutants and removing 4,800 truckloads of coal from the roads every year.

“We are proud to serve an elite institution like WVU and bring Vicinity’s expertise in delivering highly reliable and sustainable district energy services to the University,” said Bill DiCroce, president and chief executive officer of Vicinity Energy. “We are also excited by the opportunity to dramatically improve the environmental footprint of the system and improve local air quality for the University. Our dedication and focus to deliver mission critical district energy services to academic and healthcare customers allow us to be a strategic partner for WVU’s critical energy needs and energy efficiency goals.”

Vicinity intends to increase the resiliency of the system in 2020, ensuring it will be able to provide reliable energy to the University and its mission critical facilities at the Medical Center. The company will invest in the system to convert the existing natural gas fired infrastructure to dual fuel with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) as backup and will install two additional dual fuel boilers to the plant.

“During our period of ownership, Starwood Energy developed a plan to stop burning coal and repurpose the asset to burn clean natural gas to supply steam to WVU. This initiative was implemented by Vicinity Energy and is a great success story for our investors, WVU and Vicinity Energy,” said Himanshu Saxena, chief executive officer of Starwood Energy. “We are pleased that Vicinity, as a trusted new owner, will continue to serve WVU in an environmentally sustainable fashion for years to come.”

“The acquisition of Morgantown broadens Vicinity’s presence in an important market segment, expands the company’s operations into West Virginia and is part of our growth strategy in the United States,” said Brian Mueller, chief development officer of Vicinity Energy.

Vicinity is the greener alternative, owning and operating some of the most efficient large generators within their respective energy grids and, through its ownership and operation of over 400 megawatts (MW) of combined heat and power (CHP) production, currently supplies district energy and related services to more than 210 million square feet of building space.

About Vicinity Energy

Media Contact
media@vicinityenergy.us

Vicinity Energy acquires central energy plant serving historic Watergate Complex in Washington D.C.

Posted on June 17, 2020January 22, 2025 by Vicinity Energy

BOSTON, June 17, 2020 – Vicinity Energy announced today that it has acquired the district energy system serving the historic Watergate Complex in Washington D.C. and taken over operations as of February 1st 2020. The acquisition is the first for the company under its new ownership, making Washington D.C. the eleventh major city served by Vicinity. This brings Vicinity’s portfolio to a total of eighteen district energy networks. It comes on the heels of Washington, D.C. passing the most ambitious clean energy law in the country.

Positioned in the city’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, the Watergate Energy Collaborative Utility serves a group of six buildings with high pressure steam and chilled water. Vicinity will own and manage the energy operations on the mixed-used campus, providing heating and cooling under six separate 25-year energy service agreements.

Vicinity has committed to invest over $11 million in the plant and distribution system to improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability. The company will convert the plant’s 55-year-old steam heating system to high efficiency hot water, complete efficiency upgrades to the chilled water system, and install an advanced treatment system to facilitate use of groundwater, currently sent to the sewer, as makeup water to the plant, saving millions of gallons of water each year.

“We are proud to serve as the new owner and operator of the central utility plant for this important piece of the city’s history and look forward to working with the Watergate community on delivering the highest quality, and most resilient and sustainable energy services possible,” said Bill DiCroce, president and chief executive officer of Vicinity Energy. “In addition to ensuring building occupant comfort, state-of-the-art, efficient energy systems are important for the long-term viability of historic campuses like the Watergate Complex.”

The Watergate Complex has long been one of Washington’s most desirable locations to live and work. Adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Potomac River, the complex includes cooperative apartments, a hotel and two office buildings. The complex’s central utility plant, built in 1964 and enlarged in 1967, supplies steam and chilled water to more than 1.8+ million square feet of building space.

“The city’s recent clean energy law creates increased incentives for building owners to seek out innovative service providers to partner with and – in the case of the Watergate complex – invest in the facility’s immediate infrastructure needs and long-term viability,” said Kirk Betts, principal with Betts & Holt, LLP and representative for the Watergate Complex. “We know that with Vicinity Energy at the helm of Watergate Energy Collaborative Utility, these buildings will become more resilient and energy efficient, both in the near-term and well into the future.”

The Watergate acquisition is in line with Vicinity’s growth strategy to acquire and invest in district energy systems across the United States. The acquisition broadens Vicinity’s presence in an important market and expands the company’s operations and remote monitoring services at its state-of-the-art operations center in nearby Baltimore.

Vicinity Energy currently supplies district energy and related services to more than 200 million square feet of building space, with its largest networks located in downtown Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Kansas City. Through its ownership and operation of over 400 megawatts (MW) of combined heat and power (CHP) production, Vicinity is the greener alternative, owning and operating some of the most efficient large generators within their respective energy grids.

About Vicinity Energy

Media Contact
media@vicinityenergy.us

Vicinity Energy donates 2,000 gloves and 1,000 protective masks to Boston Medical Center

Posted on April 6, 2020January 22, 2025 by Vicinity Energy

BOSTON – Boston-headquartered Vicinity Energy has donated 2,000 gloves and 1,000 protective masks to Boston Medical Center in an effort to support the region’s health care workers with the protection they need to treat patients with the coronavirus.

Through conversations with the City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and at the direction of the Boston Public Health Department, Vicinity recently dropped off the gloves and masks at BMC’s main campus in downtown Boston’s South End.

“Given the growing shortage of masks and other protective gear faced by medical facilities across Greater Boston, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to help,” said Bill DiCroce, president and CEO of Vicinity Energy. “Our district energy system provides heat, hot water and the ability to sterilize the surgical equipment at all the city’s downtown hospitals and as a result we have been partners with BMC for many years. We have a responsibility to support their unique and essential role on the front lines in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic during this pivotal time.”

Like many parts of the United States, Massachusetts is experiencing a shortage of the personal protective equipment – such as masks, gloves and surgical gowns – that are needed by health care workers.

“I want to thank the Vicinity team for going above and beyond with this donation which will be very helpful in protecting our health care workers and hospital staff,” said Bob Biggio, senior vice president of facilities and support services at Boston Medical Center. “While medical centers around the country continue to grapple with a shortage in personal protective equipment, this generous donation, along with the others we have received, are essential until demand is met.”

For more on BMC’S response to Covid-19 please visit: https://www.bmc.org/covid-19

About Vicinity Energy

Media Contact
media@vicinityenergy.us

Vicinity Energy is Now the Largest Provider of District Energy Solutions in North America

Posted on January 27, 2020January 22, 2025 by Vicinity Energy

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Antin Infrastructure Partners has, today, finalized its purchase of Veolia North America’s district energy assets in the United States. Now officially named Vicinity Energy, the district energy business is comprised of steam, hot and chilled water and electricity production plants, including cogeneration, across 13 networks in 10 major cities. As its first big energy acquisition in the U.S., Antin, a global infrastructure fund, has expanded its presence in the district energy market to own the largest platform in North America.

With over 50+ years in the district energy business, Vicinity Energy may have a new name and brand, but its current leadership team and experienced engineers, operators and energy experts will largely remain the same as part of the terms of the sale. With the financial backing of Antin, Vicinity is poised for growth while continuing to deliver upon its commitment to customers: to safely meet their mission-critical energy needs by providing cutting-edge technical expertise, dedicated personal service, infrastructure and investments so they’re able to focus resources and capital on achieving their core business objectives.

“In a carbon-neutral future, growth will be determined by the kinds of energy partners whose expertise can enable local governments, companies and institutions alike to meet their sustainability goals, while also ensuring the vitality and resilience of energy infrastructure in a savvy and customized way,” said William DiCroce, president and chief executive officer of Vicinity Energy. “Through our employees’ unmatched engineering, operations and technological expertise, Vicinity will continue to advance sophisticated technologies and energy services that meet our customers’ needs in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, while ensuring that they have the reliable, cost-effective, resilient and environmentally responsible energy they need to thrive.”

About Vicinity Energy

Media Contact
media@vicinityenergy.us

Vicinity Energy Launches as Largest District Energy Provider in North America

Posted on December 30, 2019January 22, 2025 by Adam Hoyle

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Antin Infrastructure Partners, a global infrastructure fund, recently announced the creation of a new brand, Vicinity Energy, following its purchase of Veolia North America’s district energy assets in the United States. The newly launched Vicinity Energy is comprised of central energy plants and associated distribution networks that supply steam or hot water, chilled water and electricity, across 13 networks in 10 major cities. It is the largest district energy provider in North America.

Headquartered in Boston, Vicinity Energy currently supplies energy and related services to in excess of 200 million square feet of building space with its largest networks located in downtown Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Kansas City. Supplied by over 400 megawatts (MW) of combined heat and power (CHP) production, Vicinity is a greener alternative to conventional heating/cooling/electricity supply and its plants are the most efficient large generators on their respective power grids. With over 50 years in the district energy business, the company’s leadership team – and experienced engineers, operators and energy experts – has remained intact as part of the terms of the sale. These 450+ employees will continue to serve their client’s mission-critical energy needs.

Sectors such as life science and biomed are embracing district energy technology due to its resiliency and reliability. For medical centers and hospitals, district energy supplied heating, cooling, humidification and equipment sterilization are crucial to patient clinical and surgical care. Commercial property owners can transfer their energy risks while recapturing valuable amenity space such as parking and rooftops. Developers can expect expedited permitting with a low carbon solution that requires no onsite combustion.

“With Antin’s strong financial backing and planned infrastructure investments, Vicinity has the opportunity to leverage its veteran expertise and apply it to the growth and advancement of district energy systems across the U.S.,” said William DiCroce, president and chief executive officer of Vicinity Energy. “Today’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly, which is why property owners, developers, and major institutions alike are increasingly gravitating toward this established technology, recognizing it as a green, cost competitive and super-reliable energy option. Cities also recognize the important role we play in reducing the carbon footprint of their environs.”

The completion of this deal, which was announced in July and closed on December 30th of last year, represents Antin’s first big energy acquisition in North America. The infrastructure investment firm’s financial backing, coupled with Vicinity’s experienced team, poises the company for accelerated growth of its environmentally friendly products and services.

About Vicinity Energy

Media Contact
media@vicinityenergy.us

Category: Press releases

Vicinity Energy Secures 20-Year Contract to Provide Heat and Hot Water to America’s Oldest Theatre

Vicinity Energy Commits to Reaching Net Zero Carbon Emissions for all Operations by 2050

Vicinity Energy Acquires District Energy System Serving West Virginia University in Morgantown

Vicinity Energy acquires central energy plant serving historic Watergate Complex in Washington D.C.

Vicinity Energy donates 2,000 gloves and 1,000 protective masks to Boston Medical Center

Vicinity Energy is Now the Largest Provider of District Energy Solutions in North America

Vicinity Energy Launches as Largest District Energy Provider in North America

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