District energy gains steam in Portland

Fluctuating energy prices and a looming carbon market have led some cities, including Portland, to consider district heating and cooling systems. Portland-based Midtech Energy is partnering with St. Paul, Minn.-based Market Street Energy Co. to investigate the feasibility of constructing a district heating system that would utilize water from the Willamette River to heat and cool buildings in Portland’s North Pearl and South Waterfront urban renewal districts.