Markham District Energy appoints new leader
Markham District Energy’s (MDE) new president and CEO will lead the company as it builds the world’s largest Wastewater-to-Energy Transfer (WET) project at its Low Carbon Energy Centre in Markham Centre.
Carmine Marcello previously served as president and CEO of Ontario Hydro, leading the province’s largest electricity utility through significant regulatory and financial transformation in preparation for its successful initial public offering.
He has also advised governments and clean energy developers globally on structuring joint ventures, attracting investment and building business models aligned with net-zero objectives. He currently serves on the Board of Nova Scotia’s Independent Energy System Operator, contributing to the province’s clean energy transition.
“Carm Marcello’s strategic insight, governance expertise and deep sector knowledge will be invaluable as MDE continues to expand its leadership in sustainable district energy,” says Chair of the Board Keith Irish. “His appointment reinforces our commitment to advancing low-carbon energy infrastructure and supporting the City of Markham’s long-term environmental and economic goals.”
Bruce Ander will step down as president and CEO. During his 20-plus year tenure, he helped transform MDE into a nationally recognized leader in sustainable energy solutions, the City of Markham reports. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its partnerships across the sector, advanced innovative low-carbon initiatives and played a central role in supporting the City’s environmental and economic objectives, it adds. He will assume an advisory role to Marcello during a transition period.
“For almost 30 years, MDE has been an industry leader in developing the fastest growing district energy utility in Canada, providing heating and cooling to Markham Centre and the Markham-Stouffville Hospital district,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti.
MDE continues to expand its low-carbon district energy network, connecting more homes, businesses and institutions in Markham Centre and aiming to cut more than 33,700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year. Today, it supplies heating and cooling energy to more than 15.4 million square feet across 230 buildings in Markham. In 2013, MDE received the International District Energy Association’s System of the Year Award, the highest honour the association can confer on a district energy system.
The WET project will use HUBER ThermWin technology to recover heat from wastewater to provide up to 18 MW of heating and 3,600 tons of cooling. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 30,000 tonnes per year, helping MDE move toward net-zero, the City reports.
Photo: Carmine Marcello, new president and CEO of Markham District Energy. (City of Markham photo)