Siemens to work with Canadian utilities on future grid technologies
The C$92m (€60.95m) Smart Grid Atlantic project will test in real-time how the grid of the future can optimise the integration of renewable energy sources to ensure the stability of the grid and manage decentralized distribution. This could reduce future electricity costs for consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The pilot is being funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund.
“This partnership will be truly ground-breaking. Together with NB Power and Nova Scotia Power, we will develop and implement a powerful cloud-based Energy System Platform (ESP), allowing everyone to participate in the energy market,” said Faisal Kazi, President and CEO of Siemens Canada. “The ESP will enable data analytics, ensure connectivity, and provide tools for developers to create customer-focused applications and services. The platform will also optimize the overall electrical grid and reduce the cost of transitioning into a greener future not only in Canada but throughout the globe.”
Siemens will research and develop the ESP software in Canada and NB Power and NSP will provide the needed assets and customer engagement to demonstrate and test these platforms in real scenarios and real time. The technology will be tested out on real infrastructure. “Contingent on approval by our regulator, investing in the Amherst Smart grid Project will help us learn how to best incorporate new technologies to serve our customers, while showcasing Amherst as a progressive, smart-energy community,” says Karen Hutt, President and CEO, Nova Scotia Power.
“Our goal is to gradually eliminate the remaining 20 to 25% of our generation that is carbon producing while ensuring we protect our customers from the significant rate increases that have resulted from this transition elsewhere. The only way to have a fully renewable future is with smart grid technologies that ease the acceptance of small-scale renewables onto the grid,” says Gaëtan Thomas, President and CEO of NB Power. “With these new federal investments, we’ll be able to accelerate our pilot projects and testing to ensure that customers get a greener New Brunswick grid without the disruptions we’re seeing in other parts of the world.”
“The electricity sector is undergoing significant change including new applications and new ways of generating and delivering electricity,” said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens. “Businesses, governments and researchers must work together in order to keep pace with continuous advances and demands in the electricity grid. Siemens’ partnership and investment in Atlantic Canada are examples of how action and collaboration will ensure a sustainable energy future for Canada and around the world.”
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