Smart Storage technology brings power to Summerside
News Release
Demonstration project to be municipal model of sustainable energy
March 16, 2017 – Summerside, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Prince Edward Island’s economy will be diversified, new markets will open and carbon emissions will be reduced as a result of a Government of Canada investment in a clean technology demonstration project with the City of Summerside. This initiative will help create jobs and new business opportunities for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
Bobby Morrissey, MP for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today joined His Worship Bill Martin, Mayor of Summerside, to announce funding support for the next stage of the City of Summerside’s sustainable energy plan.
Through the Innovative Communities Fund, ACOA will provide a non-repayable contribution of $1.5 million to the City of Summerside to purchase and install a Smart Storage demonstration project at Credit Union Place, the City’s multi-purpose community recreational and business complex.
With new solar panel infrastructure and advanced integration controls, the pilot project aims to improve power quality, energy flow, and reliability of all sources of power generation at Credit Union Place and across the municipality. Clean technology will displace traditional carbon burning energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in overall energy savings.
Summerside has made significant commitments to sustainable development and technologies over the past decade. Its municipally-owned power grid currently sources an average of nearly 50% of its energy from wind, including 25% from the City’s own wind farm. In 2013, the City developed a smart grid solution, called MyPowerNet, to optimize its use of renewables and further reduce fossil fuel reliance.
Quotes
“Clean technology is a vital part of the Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda, a plan that will support sustained prosperity, increased opportunities and better living standards for all Canadians. The City of Summerside’s Smart Storage demonstration project is an excellent example of the sort of innovative solutions that will drive our economy into the future.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“The Government of Canada applauds the City of Summerside’s forward thinking and innovative approach to clean energy. Its residents and local businesses will continue to benefit as the City becomes a model in sustainable development for jurisdictions across the country.”
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“This project helps us move to the next phase in our important mandate to grow the renewable innovation sector. We pride ourselves on the unique assets and programs that make Summerside a “living lab” with lots to offer business, and this project is another example of how we can collaborate with the federal and provincial governments to collectively lead the way in supporting business expansion in Canada. Our community has the robust and sophisticated infrastructure and team approach needed to support business growth.”
His Worship Bill Martin, Mayor, City of Summerside
Associated Links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Lorri Laughlin
Director of Communications
City of Summerside
902-432-1288