CenTrio Seattle Installs 25-Megawatt Electric Boiler to Decarbonize

SEATTLE, Oct. 13, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- CenTrio Seattle, a leading district energy infrastructure provider, is set to advance its decarbonization efforts with the installation of a 25-megawatt electric boiler at its Western Avenue plant. This project, part of the company’s broader decarbonization plan, aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support district-scale decarbonization in Seattle.

The new boiler, which will provide approximately 85,000 pounds of steam per hour, is expected to reduce emissions by more than 60%, or roughly 42,000 tons annually. This substantial reduction is a testament to CenTrio’s commitment to sustainability and its role in improving air quality in the dense downtown Seattle area.

To achieve this, CenTrio is partnering with Affiliated Engineers (AEI) to complete the engineering design and with Seattle City Light to secure the necessary power for the high-impact electrification project. The company anticipates that following the completion of engineering, permitting, utility coordination, and final approvals, construction will begin in 2027. The new boiler is expected to be operational approximately two years after construction commences.

The project is supported by $4 million in grants from the Climate Commitment Act’s Cap-and-Invest Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. This funding underscores the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving environmental outcomes.

CenTrio’s Seattle steam system currently serves 140 buildings in the greater Seattle area, including three major hospitals. By decarbonizing at the district level, the company aims to offer low-carbon steam to its customers without the need for individual building retrofits. This approach not only eliminates significant costs and building disruption but also provides new customer buildings with access to a low-carbon steam option in the future.

The Western Avenue Plant has a long history of innovation and electrification, having upgraded its technology and fuel sources to provide reliable and economical thermal energy while advancing environmental goals. Electrifying the Seattle steam system represents another significant step in CenTrio’s sustainable energy portfolio, which already includes the nation’s largest net-zero district cooling system in downtown Chicago and one of the country’s largest sewer heat recovery systems in Denver.

This project marks a significant milestone in CenTrio’s ongoing efforts to support the decarbonization goals of its customers and the broader community. By reducing emissions and providing sustainable energy solutions, CenTrio is contributing to a more environmentally friendly future for Seattle and beyond.