Energy loops as a driver of sustainable and economic development

Yet, this wasted energy represents a major opportunity. Instead of being dissipated, it could be recovered and used in energy loops.

“Energy loops rely on energy exchange and recovery among different users,” explains Laurent Gagné-Boisvert, Senior Engineer at BBA. “Several scenarios are possible. For example, an industrial client could capture residual heat from their processes to heat their own buildings. Entire neighbourhoods could also operate as integrated power systems.”

This circular energy management model offers many benefits:

• Energy optimization: Recovers and reuses lost heat.
  
  
• GHG reduction: Helps advance the energy transition by lowering reliance on fossil fuels.
  
  
• Financial savings: Reduces energy costs for businesses and communities by leveraging an available resource.
  
  
• Energy resilience: Enhances stability and autonomy by integrating dual-energy systems and reducing peak demand.
  
  
• Local synergy: Promotes collaboration by creating more efficient power systems that support regional competitiveness, innovation and local food autonomy.
  
  
• Project viability: Improves the feasibility and sustainability of energy-intensive projects amid energy shortages.
  
  
• Integration of innovative technologies: Generates economies of scale, making it easier to implement high-temperature heat pumps and energy storage systems.

Energy recovery and redistribution are key strategies for an effective energy transition.

“To make this happen, we need to raise awareness and incorporate energy loop feasibility studies early in the project planning process,” says Nicolas Lussier Lapointe, Engineer at BBA and member of the Energy Loops committee, a Réseau Énergie et Bâtiments initiative.

“Thorough planning is essential,” adds Alexandre Rousseau, Senior Engineer at BBA. “This includes identifying available heat sources, assessing user needs and ensuring project profitability. Many financial assistance programs are also available to support these initiatives. By combining strategic planning and financial support, we can transform wasted energy into a catalyst for sustainable and economic development.”