News Summary
Boston mourns the loss of Bill DiCroce, executive chairman of Vicinity Energy. DiCroce, who passed away at 62, was a pioneer in decarbonization, leading impactful initiatives for cleaner energy solutions in urban settings. His vision for a sustainable future has left a lasting legacy on the company and the communities it serves.
Farewell to a Visionary Leader: Bill DiCroce’s Impact on Decarbonization
Boston is mourning the loss of Bill DiCroce, the executive chairman of Vicinity Energy, who passed away on April 13 after a brave battle with cancer at the age of 62. His departure has left a lasting impression on family, friends, and colleagues—about 500 dedicated employees at Vicinity Energy who will miss his leadership and guidance.
Leading the Charge for a Greener Future
DiCroce was not just a leader; he was a pioneer in the field of decarbonization. His journey at Vicinity Energy was driven by a mission to transform the way urban buildings handle their heating and cooling systems. The company, which generates steam, hot water, and chilled water primarily through natural gas for Boston and around ten other cities in the U.S., has become a frontrunner in the quest to reduce carbon emissions in energy use. DiCroce firmly believed in Vicinity’s potential to make a meaningful impact on the planet via its centralized thermal energy sources.
As cities, including Boston, began to adopt stricter emission regulations for large buildings, DiCroce was keen on ensuring that Vicinity Energy was not left behind. He recognized that addressing climate change required innovation, and he worked tirelessly to advance the company’s decarbonization initiatives.
Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Under DiCroce’s guidance, Vicinity has embarked on several exciting projects. In 2022, they made headlines when they installed an electric-powered boiler called “eSteam” at their Kendall plant in Cambridge. This innovative move was designed to assist building owners in achieving their environmental goals while decreasing their carbon footprints. The initial adopters of this new technology included organizations like Emerson College and lab developer IQHQ, marking a critical step toward a cleaner energy future.
While New England’s power grid still relies heavily on natural gas, Vicinity has been proactive about this challenge by procuring energy credits from renewable sources such as wind and solar. DiCroce envisioned an even more ambitious goal—to eventually source electricity directly from upcoming offshore wind farms, setting the stage for a more sustainable energy model.
Harnessing Nature for Energy Solutions
Another thrilling announcement during DiCroce’s tenure was the collaborative plan to harness thermal energy from the Charles River. This project involves installing a large-scale heat pump system in partnership with Volkswagen’s MAN Energy Solutions. The heat pump is expected to pull thermal energy from the river, transforming it into energy while returning cooled water back, with operations slated to commence in 2028. This reflects DiCroce’s commitment to creativity and excellence.
An Engineering Legacy
With a degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, DiCroce’s career has spanned across notable firms such as GE and Eversource predecessors before stepping into his role at Vicinity Energy. He was instrumental in the company’s successful spinout from Veolia’s district energy business and played a prominent role in the Boston Green Ribbon Commission.
Though he faced skepticism initially regarding the eSteam concept, DiCroce steadily garnered support for his vision from the business community and industry peers. His work has been celebrated as a transformational force in clean energy transitions, setting a roadmap for similar practices nationwide.
A Lasting Commitment to Sustainability
Vicinity Energy’s goals for the future remain ambitious, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. DiCroce’s legacy of sustainable initiatives and transformative ideas will undoubtedly continue to inspire the company and its employees as they strive to provide environmentally-friendly energy solutions. While the world has lost a remarkable leader, the vision set forth by Bill DiCroce shall persist, lighting the path towards a more sustainable future for urban energy systems.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Vicinity Bill DiCroce
- Cape Cod Times: Obituaries
- Tribute Archive: William J. DiCroce
- Business Wire: Vicinity Energy Announces Transition
- Boston Real Estate Times: Vicinity Energy’s New Technology
- Wikipedia: Decarbonization
- Google Search: Bill DiCroce
- Google Scholar: Decarbonization
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Decarbonization
- Google News: Bill DiCroce
