Industry: Healthcare
Grand Rapids steam plant to get first new boiler in 60 years
A major energy supplier to downtown Grand Rapids is celebrating the installation of a new electric boiler that will produce what it calls eSteam
New electric boiler to transform how downtown Grand Rapids buildings are heated
Vicinity Energy Kicks off Electrification Plans in Grand Rapids
Local leaders and Vicinity executives expect the new electric boiler to launch in 2026, providing carbon free thermal energy to over 100 customers in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI – Vicinity Energy, a decarbonization leader with the nation’s largest portfolio of district energy systems, has officially kicked off its Grand Rapids electrification plans by commencing the installation of its newest electric boiler. Vicinity will install the 9MW electric boiler at its Grand Rapids facility, marking a key milestone in the company’s Clean Energy Future commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions across all of its operations by 2050.
U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-3) commemorated the milestone at Vicinity’s Grand Rapids facility, along with local business leaders and energy advocates.
“We are proud to see Vicinity, a long-standing energy partner in Grand Rapids, launch its innovative eSteamTM right here in the city,” said Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand. “This project will bring locally generated, carbon-free steam to our downtown businesses, supporting Grand Rapids’ commitment to sustainability, clean energy, and a resilient future.”
Vicinity Energy received a grant exceeding $2 million from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) as part of the Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development (EIED) program. This funding supports the installation of the 9MW electric boiler at Vicinity’s downtown Grand Rapids facility, marking the first new boiler addition in 60 years at the facility. The project aims to produce carbon-free eSteamTM to support the decarbonization of Grand Rapids, aligning with the MI Healthy Climate Plan’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward carbon neutrality.
“Our work towards carbon-free, clean energy is critically important to not only our own goals, but the goals of our state and local partners across the country. Here in Grand Rapids with the installation of this electric boiler, we will enable a seamless conversion to carbon-free eSteam TM for our customers,” said Vicinity Energy CEO Kevin Hagerty.
When the electric boiler enters service in 2026, over 120 of Vicinity’s customers in Grand Rapids will have access to carbon-free thermal energy instantly.
Click here to read more about Vicinity’s district energy systems and its commitment to innovation and the environment.
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is the largest owner and operator of district energy systems dedicated to decarbonizing its operations and investing in innovative renewable thermal energy technologies to offer carbon-free eSteam™ to its customers. Operating 19 district energy systems in 12 cities, Vicinity delivers reliable and sustainable steam, hot water, and chilled water to 250 million square feet of building space nationwide. As Vicinity advances its electrification efforts across its locations, the goal to achieve net zero by 2050 is more than a commitment—it’s a mission.
How Vicinity Energy uses the Charles River to help power buildings
Levan Reid of WBZ News visited our facility in Kendall Square, Cambridge, and spoke to Vicinity’s Chief Sustainability Officer Matt O’Malley and Vice President of Operations Don Silvia about how our facility is transforming to reach net zero carbon emissions. Check out the video for an inside look at our facility.
