Vicinity Energy has installed a brand-new 9MW electric boiler at their Grand Rapids plant.
This will be the facility's first new boiler in 60 years and marks a major milestone in the city's transition to carbon-free thermal energy. A wrench-turning ceremony was held Wednesday morning to mark the installation. Among those attending the event were West Michigan Congresswoman Hillary Scholten and Mayor David LaGrand.
Vicinity plans to install two more electric boilers over the next 15 years, eventually powering 90% of its Grand Rapids network with emissions-free energy.
The Michigan Public Service Commission provided a 2-million-dollar grant to support the project.