Veolia Energy Expands its Baltimore Presence with District Cooling System Acquisition

Working toward a more sustainable Baltimore, Veolia Energy adds the cutting-edge system and its 50 customers, representing over 11.5 million square feet, to its growing networks

Baltimore, MD. — Veolia Energy North America, a leading provider of sustainable energy services and facility operations and management solutions, is delighted to announce that it has purchased the Comfort Link district cooling system business. Comfort Link was previously a partnership of Baltimore Gas and Electric, a Constellation Energy subsidiary, and Monumental Investment Corporation, a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. One of the largest ice thermal storage systems in the country, Comfort Link serves 50 major customers, representing more than 11.5 million square feet. The acquisition will expand Veolia Energy’s existing district energy (heating, cooling and cogeneration) operations in Baltimore, with 16 new buildings served.

Reflecting Veolia Energy’s commitment to sustainable development, Comfort Link’s cutting-edge ice thermal storage system reduces the number of required chillers and cooling towers, which makes it highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. In addition, Comfort Link works as an energy storage system, allowing Veolia Energy to produce thermal energy during off-peak periods, potentially saving money, and reducing the demand for electricity during peak hours. Veolia Energy will provide preventive maintenance and will continue to invest in the system to increase efficiency. Customers connected to the system include federal, state, and Baltimore City government buildings; entertainment and retail establishments; commercial office buildings; hotels; hospitals; and religious and other non-profit facilities.

“In addition to being a valued addition to our growing North American portfolio, the Comfort Link acquisition is the perfect complement to our existing heating and cooling network in Baltimore,” said Stewart A. Wood, President and CEO of Veolia Energy North America. “This system was particularly attractive given its high level of energy efficiency and its strong environmental profile, which matches our commitment to ensure that our systems help our customers reduce their carbon footprints. We are committed to providing excellent service to the many high-profile buildings and attractions served by this system, as we collectively work toward a more sustainable Baltimore.”

The Comfort Link system delivers more than 32,000 tons of cooling capacity and approximately 40 million ton-hours of chilled water via an 11-mile distribution network. Founded in 1996, the system features four “networked” chilled-water production facilities. Veolia Energy anticipates future growth for Comfort Link as more buildings in the vicinity leverage the network as a cost-effective, highly-reliable and environmentally-responsible alternative to operating and maintaining their own thermal energy equipment.

Prior to the acquisition of Comfort Link, Veolia Energy provided centrally produced steam, hot water and chilled water to approximately 250 commercial, government, institutional and hospitality customers, and nearly 30 million square feet of space, in Baltimore’s central business district, East Baltimore and Inner Harbor East areas.

About Veolia Energy North America

A subsidiary of Veolia Environnement, the world’s leading environmental services company, Veolia Energy focuses on controlling energy costs and reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient, custom solutions. Solutions encompass the production and distribution of highly-reliable thermal energy; on-site operation of customers’ complex equipment to enhance the technical, economic and environmental performance; combined heat and power generation (cogeneration); and the introduction of renewable fuels into the energy mix where it is viable. Veolia Energy North America serves customers throughout the Continental USA, with a national reach and capability, and owns and operates the largest portfolio of district energy (heating, cooling and cogeneration) networks in the United States. With approximately 335,000 employees globally, Veolia Environnement reported revenue of $50 billion in 2008.

[Click Banner To Learn More]

[Home Page]  [The Automator]  [About]  [Subscribe ]  [Contact Us]