First-in-Canada Centre will support businesses and organizations as they accelerate clean technology development
News release
University of Toronto’s Grid Modernization Centre to bring new clean technologies into Canada’s electrical grid
July 26, 2024 - Toronto, Ontario
In order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the demand for grid capacity and green technologies will grow. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the modernization of our grid system, so we can continue to work together in the fight against climate change.
Today, the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Member of Parliament for York Centre, along with Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Toronto–Danforth, visited the University of Toronto (U of T) to view a demonstration of what will be Canada’s first Grid Modernization Centre. While there, Minister Saks announced a $5-million investment, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support establishing the new centre at Downsview.
Spearheaded by U of T’s Climate Positive Energy (CPE) initiative, the Grid Modernization Centre will be used as a collaborative hub where key industry stakeholders, including SMEs, original equipment manufacturers and municipalities, have access to expertise and specialized equipment in one space to advance the development of innovative technology solutions for Canada’s electrical grid. As a result of this investment, up to 120 businesses are expected to be supported as they work towards commercialization and grid integration which, in turn, will help these businesses grow and create new jobs.
Today’s announcement is part of a $10-million Government of Canada investment that includes $5 million in support from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Funding was provided through NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program, which advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada meet its climate change targets while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Government of Canada is investing in small businesses and organizations to create good paying, sustainable jobs and support clean economic growth in southern Ontario. Adopting a decarbonized, decentralized and digitalized grid infrastructure is critical to support the country’s growing demand for clean energy solutions.
Quotes
“The work that will be done at the University of Toronto’s Grid Modernization Centre will help to build a cleaner and more sustainable future for all Canadians. By adopting cutting-edge clean energy technologies, we are not only reducing emissions but driving innovation and economic growth across the country.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
“As we work towards a greener and more prosperous future, U of T’s Grid Modernization Centre will play a key role in accelerating the commercialization of innovative solutions in this field. By supporting advancements in clean energy technologies, we are not only protecting our environment but positioning Canada to be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.”
- The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Member of Parliament for York Centre
“Working across government with communities, industry, and universities is key to building more energy infrastructure across Canada—infrastructure that is not only affordable, but also reliable and clean. I am pleased that Natural Resources Canada is supporting the University of Toronto to modernize and decarbonize Canada’s electrical grid.”
- The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (NRCan)
“Federal investments are supporting a cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable electricity future for Canadians. Through initiatives such as the Grid Modernization Centre here at UofT, we are collaborating to unlock a brighter future for our energy systems on the path to net-zero.”
- Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Toronto– Danforth
“On behalf of the University of Toronto, we thank FedDev Ontario and Natural Resources Canada for their $10-million investment in the Grid Modernization Centre. By convening stakeholders across the electricity ecosystem, Climate Positive Energy and their partners will help ensure the electrical grid remains safe and reliable, while supporting the development of clean technologies and jobs.”
- Professor Leah E. Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Toronto
Quick facts
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An Institutional Strategic Initiative at the University of Toronto, the Climate Positive Energy (CPE) initiative was established in January 2022 to position the University of Toronto as a leader in energy and climate impact.
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The technology housed at the Grid Modernization Centre will provide predictions for larger power systems, have the capability to hook-up external, physical assets and equipment for testing, and have the capabilities needed to study grid cyber security.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $700 million in more than 300 projects to support Clean Growth initiatives in southern Ontario.
Associated links
Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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