Ontario Ministry of Energy in collaboration with Ryerson University and Schneider Electric has officially opened Canada’s first university-based Smart Grid Laboratory (SESG Lab).
The facility, which is designed to test new products and operational strategies, authenticate grid transformation solutions in addition to research works and employee training.
This SESG lab will also provide students with applied experience about a utility ambience and will be accessible by both partners and collaborators.
The Lab can achieve this by reproducing the operation of a substation and feeders of an electrical utility distribution system within it.
“Building a smarter electricity grid is a key part of our government’s plan to modernize Ontario’s energy infrastructure and provide clean, reliable affordable power to consumers. Supporting Ryerson’s Centre for Urban Energy, and the development of the Schneider Electric Smart Grid Lab, we are setting the stage for innovations that will be the backbone for our energy system for future generations,” said, Bob Chiarelli, energy minister, Ontario.
In addition, the lab consists of a fundamental infrastructure that supplement organizations in the research and development of advanced solutions and systems related to smart grid technology, according to company sources.
In addition, the Lab provides an opportunity for utilities and entrepreneurs to test new processes and products in a real-world environment.
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It also provides a perfect environment for utilities to train their employees on new systems and for students to learn how the next-generation energy grid works.
Such pilot projects and testing on smart grids are expected to play a key role in building out the future power generation of Canada.
The Schneider Electric Smart Grid Laboratory was sponsored by the Ministry of Energy and funded in part through the Ontario Smart Grid Fund initiative.
At present, Natural Resources Canada’s CanmetENERGY research labs manage the Canada Smart Grid Action Network.
The Smart Grid Fund is a $50 million program to promote advance energy opportunities in Ontario. Launched in April 2011, the Smart Grid Fund has supported eleven projects so far.
Ontario’s Smart Grid is supported by 4.8 million smart meters installed in homes and businesses helping to detect, prevent and restore outages efficiently.
Sabeena Wahid
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