Canada investing in next-gen Smart Grid tech research

The Government of Canada has announced an investment of $949,000 for a next-generation smart grid project that will promote the rapid adoption of new renewable energy sources to bolster the electricity grid.

The Power Simulator (SimP): is an experimentation and standardization infrastructure for smart grid technologies. The objective of this project is to design, develop and put into service a new generation of “Power Hardware in the Loop” test and experimentation capability. This will allow development, testing and in-situ validation of experimental and commercial power system control, storage and smart grid products and equipment that will be part of future community micro-grids.

The cutting-edge research infrastructure would be open and available to all players in the Canadian green-energy industry, including academic and industry interests.

The goal of the project is to develop and implement technology to integrate new sources of clean energy without compromising the stability and reliability of our grids.

Natural Resource Canada funded the project being led by Hydro-Québec’s research institute (IREQ) through its Energy Innovation Program, which supports initiatives to accelerate clean technology development. IREQ is partnering with OPAL-RT Technologies.

Canada is committed to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Over two-thirds of Canada’s electricity generation comes from renewable energy, placing Canada first in G7 and second in G20 countries in terms of its share of electricity generated from renewables.

Through Canada’s national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians expressed that Canada has an opportunity to play a leading role in the global low-carbon movement.