Tulsa District

Several preeminent business and institutions in downtown Tulsa all share the same strategic advantage: district energy is keeping these facilities heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. District energy is an innovative, cost-efficient, and resilient energy solution that involves the production of thermal energy from a central plant, eliminating the need to install and manage onsite boilers and chillers.

Used in space heating and cooling, domestic hot and chilled water, humidification, and sterilization, Vicinity Energy’s district energy system produces and distributes thermal energy to over 7.1 million square feet of commercial space, including the BOK arena, One Place Tower and David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center. Not only is district energy 99.99% reliable, it’s also significantly greener than alternative conventional energy options.

7.1 million

Square feet served in Tulsa

3.3 miles

Steam distribution network

50+ years

District system years of operation

Investing in Tulsa

Green steam refers to Vicinity’s low carbon thermal product, which in large part comes from a combined heat and power (CHP) process and the integration of renewable energy. Today in the Tulsa district, CHP technology is maximizing the transformation of fuel into energy and decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by capturing waste heat that would otherwise be lost under conventional means. By combining the production of thermal energy (used for both heating and cooling) and electricity into one process, CHP results in the most efficient use of fuel to generate electricity and condition buildings, using far less fuel than when heat and power are produced separately.

Learn more about District Energy in Tulsa

An Innovative Approach to a Cleaner Environment

Our interconnected facilities have built-in redundancy, back-up generation and multiple water and fuel sources to ensure you stay up and running. We are continuously implementing a cleaner energy mix and investing in the city's infrastructure to reduce carbon impacts—including integrating renewable energy. Our Clean Energy Future is a reflection of this commitment and incorporates the latest strategies and technologies available.

Learn more about our Clean Energy Future

How District Energy Works

District energy is an innovative and resilient energy solution that uses a centrally located facility, or facilities, to generate thermal energy—heat, hot water or chilled water—which is then transported through highly insulated underground pipes directly to nearby buildings, avoiding the need for boilers, chillers and cooling towers in individual buildings. Watch the video to learn more about how district energy works.

Read "What is District Energy?" on our blog