Renewable Energy Innovators to Have Access to New Microgrid Testing Facility

Medicine Hat College will be the first in Alberta to host a microgrid for testing renewable energy technologies

MEDICINE HAT, AB, March 27, 2018 /CNW/ - A federal investment will help Medicine Hat College establish the Community Renewable Energy Microgrid Demonstration Project (CREMDP). The site will support the development of renewable energy technologies and help attract clean technology investments to Alberta.

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced more than $526,000 for Medicine Hat College to support the design, engineering and construction of the microgrid.

Renewable energy is at the centre of the world's transition to a less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy system. The Government of Canada's investment in Medicine Hat College will help industry meet the increasing global demand for renewable energy technology. The project will be an open-access one-megawatt microgrid demonstration system that allows students and innovators to test and showcase new products and processes.

This project will result in six new technologies, assist 50 companies, attract 150 investors to the site and train 150 students in the renewable energy field. 

A focus on clean technology, innovation and growth is a core element of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Through the Framework, Canada will focus on creating and maintaining globally competitive Canadian businesses as we transition to a low-carbon economy.

Canada's Innovation Agenda promotes clean growth, good jobs and higher living standards for the middle class. The investment announced today is an example of this vision in action.

Quick Facts

• Microgrids are small electrical grids with control capability that can disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autonomously.

Quotes

"The global campaign against climate change presents opportunities for Canada to create good jobs and stimulate the development of clean energy technologies. Medicine Hat College's Community Renewable Energy Microgrid Demonstration Project will help students and innovators to experiment, research, demonstrate and commercialize clean energy technologies. Their outcomes will help further Canada's efforts in meeting its climate change goals."
-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"The renewable energy industry is a growing part of our region's economy. There will be increasing opportunities for people to develop business concepts and careers in the field. MHC is thankful for this support as it will increase our capacity to support education and innovation."
-       David Petis, Vice-President, Advancement & Community Relations, Medicine Hat College

Additional Links

• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Innovation Agenda
• Medicine Hat College
• Western Diversification Program

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter: @WD_Canada, @ISED_CA, @MHCollege
WD Homepage
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

For further information: Donna Kinley, Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Kendra Payne, Corporate Communications Officer (Media Officer), Medicine Hat College, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]