SNC-Lavalin and Carleton University collaborating to protect the grid

SNC-Lavalin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carleton University to co-operate on protecting critical infrastructures – a top priority for power utilities as the industry increasingly depends on network interconnectivity and complex smart grid technology while facing ever-growing cybersecurity threats.

Under the MOU, Carleton is providing a state-of-the-art research environment supported by industry experts and testing facilities.

SNC-Lavalin will leverage Carleton’s capabilities with opportunities such as testing advanced technologies and research projects to advance the protection of power utility telecommunication infrastructures. The protection of critical infrastructure is a top priority for most nations around the world. SNC-Lavalin has in-depth expertise in this field of engineering having designed, constructed, operated and maintained power plants, transmission and distribution systems across all energy sectors.

SNC-Lavalin signs MOU with Carleton University to co-operate on critical infrastructure protection. @Carleton_U provides a research environment supported by industry experts. SNC-Lavalin brings advanced technologies & research projects to leverage Carleton’s capabilities. #CIP pic.twitter.com/TrWn5IcErt

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— SNC-Lavalin (@SNCLavalin) March 21, 2018

“Our partnership with Carleton University is SNC-Lavalin’s effort to stay at the forefront when it comes to protecting critical infrastructures the public depends on,” said Alain Brière, vice-president and general manager, telecommunications, in a company release. “Together, we will build on our collective knowledge and experience to provide Carleton’s Communications Engineering experts with real-life challenges and access to advanced technology to further the learning of their students. Through our MOU with Carleton University, we are proud to support the next generation of telecommunications engineers by giving them the opportunity to work side by side with our team to address the unique needs of the power utility industry.”

Carleton University has been home to Canada’s first and only Communications Engineering program for more than 20 years. Recognized as a leader in telecommunications engineering research and development in Canada and beyond, Carleton’s Faculty of Engineering and Design and its experts regularly collaborate with industry partners and maintain state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities to stay abreast of telecommunication technology innovations used to support power utilities.

“Carleton University is proud to partner with SNC-Lavalin as we continue to develop innovations for the telecommunications industry,” said Fred Afagh, interim dean of the faculty of engineering and design. “Our combined efforts will no doubt play an increasingly important role as connected technologies become even further integrated into our daily lives.”

Carleton University and SNC-Lavalin will work closely by:

•  supporting research that is consistent with the university’s mission of teaching and research,
•  furthering the education of telecommunications engineering and the development of technologies needed to support the electric power industry,
•  facilitating the transfer of technology,
•  providing additional research and thesis opportunities for students,
•  increasing SNC-Lavalin’s visibility as an employer for Carleton University co-op students and graduates, and
•  stimulating research on topics of relevance to the engineering field.