OVERVIEW
Vicinity Energy operates one of the nation’s largest district energy systems. Through its extensive district heating network, Vicinity serves commercial, institutional, and residential customers with reliable thermal energy.
As cities and building owners work toward increasingly ambitious emissions reduction targets, district energy systems play an important role in supporting the transition to lower-carbon heating solutions. To help advance its decarbonization strategy, Vicinity pursued a large-scale electrification project designed to generate steam through electrode boiler technology while maintaining the reliability required for a critical district energy network.
This initiative led to the installation of a high-voltage Electrode Boiler that supports clean steam generation and demonstrates how electrification can contribute to decarbonizing thermal energy production at scale.
THE CHALLENGE
Vicinity sought a solution that could support growing decarbonization efforts while continuing to provide dependable steam service across its district heating network.
The project required a system capable of generating significant steam capacity through electrified thermal energy production and integrating seamlessly into existing district energy infrastructure. Because the network serves around 230 to 240 customer buildings throughout Boston and Cambridge, reliability, responsiveness, and operational flexibility were essential considerations.
Additionally, the system needed to support evolving energy demands while providing the ability to utilize available electricity, including periods of high renewable power generation, helping further advance sustainability goals across the district heating system.
THE SOLUTION
Thermon’s Vapor Precision platform supplied a 42 MW high-voltage Electrode Boiler designed to provide clean, efficient steam generation for Vicinity’s district energy network.
Commissioned in 2024, the Electrode Boiler supports Boston-area building decarbonization initiatives by converting electricity into steam for the district energy network. The installation helps offset traditional fossil-fueled heat sources and provides operational flexibility for integrating electrified thermal energy production into a large-scale district heating system. It also enables the utilization of available renewable power during periods of higher generation, supporting both sustainability objectives and grid-balancing efforts.
The system was engineered to deliver the performance, responsiveness, and reliability necessary for continuous operation while supporting Vicinity’s long-term sustainability objectives. Thermon’s expertise in industrial boiler solutions helped provide a dependable foundation for one of the region’s most significant district energy electrification projects.
THERMON PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SUPPLIED
ELECTRODE BOILER SYSTEM
Thermon supplied a high-voltage Electrode Boiler engineered to deliver large-scale steam generation for district energy operations while supporting electrification and emissions reduction initiatives.
- 42 MW High-Voltage Electrode Boiler
- 140,000 lb/hr Steam Capacity
- 13.8 kV Electrical Supply
- 310 PSI Operating Pressure
CONTROL AND INTEGRATION SOLUTIONS
The system was designed for seamless integration into existing plant operations and control infrastructure, providing operators with visibility and flexibility across the district energy network.
- A-B ControlLogix PLC Platform
- Remote DCS Integration
- HMI Integration
ENGINEERED DESIGN FEATURES
The installation incorporates engineered features that support safe, reliable, and responsive operation in a demanding utility-scale environment.
- OSHA-Rated Casing Design
- Rapid Steam Demand Response Capability
- District Energy System Integration
THE RESULT
Following its commissioning in 2024, the Electrode Boiler became a key component of Vicinity’s district heating decarbonization strategy. The installation provides an additional pathway for steam production that aligns with Vicinity’s broader sustainability goals while continuing to deliver reliable thermal energy to customers throughout Boston and Cambridge.
By supporting electrified steam production, the project demonstrates how district energy providers can leverage innovative technologies to reduce emissions, increase operational flexibility, and take advantage of periods of high renewable electricity generation.
"District energy systems require solutions that are reliable today and aligned with tomorrow's decarbonization goals. Our 42 MW Electrode Boiler demonstrates how utilities can integrate large-scale electrification into existing district energy infrastructure while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness needed to support modern energy networks." Tanner Mullins, Business Development Manager at Thermon
Thermon is proud to support projects that help customers achieve sustainability goals while maintaining the reliability and performance required for critical energy infrastructure. The Vicinity installation illustrates the growing role of electrification technologies in the future of district heating and large-scale thermal energy production.
“My visit to Vicinity Energy highlighted not only the technical sophistication of one of the nation's largest district energy networks, but also the organization's forward-thinking approach to decarbonization. The integration of a 42 MW Electrode Boiler demonstrates a rare combination of engineering complexity, operational reliability, and long-term strategic vision that positions Vicinity as a leader in the energy transition.” Taylor Cavins, Senior Manager, Business Development at Thermon
MORE ABOUT VICINITY ENERGY
Vicinity Energy is the largest owner and operator of district energy systems dedicated to decarbonizing its operations and investing in innovative renewable thermal energy technologies to offer carbon-free eSteam™ to its customers. Operating 19 district energy systems in 12 cities, Vicinity delivers reliable and sustainable steam, hot water, and chilled water to 250 million square feet of building space nationwide. As Vicinity advances its electrification efforts across its locations, the goal to achieve net zero by 2050 is more than a commitment—it’s a mission. Learn more about Vicinity’s vision for a clean energy future at www.vicinityenergy.us.
Advance Your Electrification Strategy With Thermon
From Electrode Boiler technology and electric steam generation systems to engineered solutions and application expertise, Thermon's Vapor Precision platform helps organizations meet decarbonization goals while maintaining reliable steam production.
