We used necessary cookies for the website to function correctly, guaranteeing basic functionalities and the security of the website. In addition. Depending on your selection, we will use our own and third-party cookies to improve the functioning; preferences cookies, related to the type of browser or the region from which you access, and/or marketing cookies that allow us to analyze browsing habits. For further information, please consult our cookies policyopens in a new tab.

You can accept all cookies, configure them or reject their use bellow.

Our foundation: acciona.org Initiatives we support Our strategy Sustainable Development Goals Social development Sustainability indices Sustainable Development Alliances Technology and innovation centres Open and collaborative innovation Digital hub Innovation projects Job offers Graduates and internships Opportunities and inclusion Safety, health and well-being Training Energy Transport Water Social Cities Real Estate Financial Integrated annual report Annual accounts Results, reports & presentations Average period of payment to suppliers Ratings Share price Dividends Analyst opinions Investor calendar General Shareholders' Meeting Board of Directors and Committees Share capital Annual Corporate Governance Report Director remuneration Governance rules and compliance Framework Agreement CNMV Communications Sustainable finance

Toronto's Deep Lake Water Cooling (DLWC) system is an innovative district energy project that uses the naturally cold waters of Lake Ontario to provide sustainable air conditioning to downtown buildings while supporting the city's drinking water supply. One of the largest systems of its kind in the world, the project significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by replacing conventional air conditioning with an environmentally responsible cooling solution.

ACCIONA served as the general contractor for the design implementation and construction of the Deep Lake Water Cooling system, delivering the intake pipelines, heat exchange plant, valve chambers, equipment installation, testing, and commissioning. The project included the installation of three underwater intake pipelines extending five kilometres into Lake Ontario, enabling cold water drawn for the municipal drinking water system to be used for cooling before entering the city's potable water network.

The construction of the intake system required the installation of approximately 15 kilometres of 1.6-metre-diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline on the bed of Lake Ontario at depths reaching 83 metres. Specialized marine construction techniques and precision installation ensured the integrity of the underwater infrastructure while protecting the surrounding aquatic environment.

The Deep Lake Water Cooling system demonstrates how existing municipal infrastructure can be leveraged to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits. By utilizing the stable temperature of deep lake water for both municipal drinking water and sustainable building cooling, the system reduces cooling energy consumption by up to 90 percent compared with conventional air-conditioning systems, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and provides reliable cooling to many of Toronto's largest commercial, institutional, and government buildings. As one of the world's leading district energy systems, it has become an internationally recognized model for innovative, low-carbon urban infrastructure.

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

  • Client: Enwave Energy Corporation ant the City of Toronto
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario
  • Contract type: General Contractor
  • Contract Value: Approximately C$100 million
  • Project Team: ACCIONA (General Contractor)
  • Project Status: Completed in 2004

PROJECT SCOPE

  • Installation of approximately 15 km of 1.6 m diameter HDPE intake pipeline
  • Construction of three 5 km deep lake intake pipelines extending into Lake Ontario
  • Installation of 36 large heat exchangers
  • Construction of the heat exchange plant and valve chambers
  • Equipment installation, testing, and commissioning
  • Marine construction and pipeline installation at depths of up to 83 metres

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

The Deep Lake Water Cooling system is recognized as one of the world's leading examples of sustainable district energy infrastructure. By using the naturally cold water drawn from deep within Lake Ontario for both municipal drinking water and building cooling, the system eliminates the need for conventional electrically driven chillers, reducing cooling energy consumption by up to 90 percent and substantially lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The project also demonstrates innovative integration between municipal water and district energy infrastructure, maximizing the value of existing assets while providing a reliable, resilient, and environmentally responsible cooling solution for Toronto's downtown core.

Discover all of our projects