- What is eSteam™?eSteam™ is Vicinity’s unique and innovative carbon-free thermal energy energy product. eSteam™ offers maximum flexibility and superior economic benefits compared to alternative onsite solutions. Vicinity uses carbon-free, renewable energy sources to generate eSteam™, providing rapid decarbonization for commercial and institutional buildings in city centers.
- How will Vicinity create and deliver eSteam™?To generate and deliver eSteam™, Vicinity is electrifying its operations by installing electric boilers, industrial-scale heat pumps, and thermal battery storage. Vicinity will procure electricity from renewable, carbon-neutral energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro. Leveraging our existing network of underground pipes, we will effortlessly deliver eSteam™ to our customers.
- What are the benefits of Vicinity’s eSteam™ product for customers?Electrification will enable Vicinity to generate steam with a zero-carbon emissions factor. This means that the eSteam™ energy you purchase from Vicinity is clean and sustainable. By using eSteam™, our customers will be able to enjoy many benefits, including
- Carbon-free: eSteam™ is a carbon-free renewable energy product for rapid decarbonization
- Maximum flexibility: Customers choose how much eSteam™ they want to use and the carbon-free electricity source
- Superior economics: eSteam™ is the most affordable option to decarbonize your building compared to onsite alternatives
- Maximum resiliency: Vicinity’s operational flexibility means that we can switch fuel and generating sources to avoid interruptions
- Will Vicinity's electrification upgrades affect pricing for all customers?No. Electrification will not affect customers unless they choose to purchase electrified steam, known as eSteam™. There will be no changes in pricing from Vicinity’s electrification efforts. In the near term, if customers purchase eSteam™, the price will be different than steam generated from fossil fuels. However, our offer will be much more cost-effective than other electrifying alternatives. Because we operate at economies of scale, we can offer our customers the best pricing possible. We aim to manage affordability and sustainability on behalf of our customers.
- Home
- Products and Services
- eSteam™
The future of energy is here
eSteam™ is Vicinity’s unique and innovative carbon-free thermal energy product. Instead of fossil fuels, Vicinity utilizes carbon-free renewable energy sources to generate eSteam™ for distribution to customers.
The future, delivered
What are the benefits of eSteam™?
Carbon-free
Vicinity will procure electricity from renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro to generate eSteam™.
99.99% reliability
Vicinity’s operational flexibility allows switching fuel and generating sources to avoid service interruptions.
Lower cost
eSteam™ is a cost-effective option to cut carbon and meet sustainability goals.
Maximum flexibility
Choose how much eSteam™ and the carbon-neutral electricity source to generate it.
Built for compliance
Meet local building performance standards with eSteam™
eSteam™ can help building owners and developers meet local and federal building performance standards.
Renewables to results
How does eSteam™ work?
Vicinity will use a combination of heat pumps, electric boilers, and thermal storage technologies to create carbon-free eSteam™.
Procure
Vicinity will procure electricity from renewable, carbon-free energy sources and import the power through a co-located electric substation.
Produce
Powered by renewable electricity, electric boilers and industrial-scale heat pumps will transform water into eSteam™.
Optimize
Thermal storage provides on-demand eSteam™ production from stored, off-peak renewable electricity.
Distribute
Carbon-free eSteam™ will be distributed to customers through underground piping infrastructure.
Industrial-scale heat pumps to cut carbon
Vicinity has commenced construction on a river-source heat pump complex for eSteam™ generation. In the next few years, the industrial-scale heat pump complex will be operational at our Kendall facility in Cambridge, MA.
Electrifying Boston and Cambridge
Vicinity’s electrification plans are underway at our Kendall facility in Cambridge, MA. Our 42MW electric boiler has successfully entered service and is delivering carbon-free eSteam™ to our customers.
Testimonials
See what our customers are saying about eSteam™.
"At IQHQ, we have a commitment to developing class-A life science districts that provide our tenant, visitors, and communities at large with healthy, resilient, and responsible spaces. We are excited to partner with Vicinity Energy to decarbonize the steam serving our projects."
Jenny WhitsonIQHQ, Director, Sustainability & ESG 
This partnership sets a new standard for sustainability within small urban higher education institutions, and we are proud to lead by example, demonstrating that significant, sustainable change is possible and necessary for the future.
Jennifer LamyEmerson College, Associate Director of Sustainability 
Powering critical industries
Industries that use eSteam™
Ideas in action
Featured resources
eSteam™ FAQs
eSteam™
Vicinity’s electrification plan
This free white paper explores how Vicinity is electrifying our district energy systems to help urban centers rapidly and affordably achieve city and state carbon reduction goals.
Are you ready?
Get started with today
Reach out to our energy experts today to see if carbon-free eSteam™ is the right fit for your building.
