L-R: Akshun Chauhan, computer programming diploma alum and intern at the Energy Innovation Centre, RDP; Stuart Cullum, President, RDP; Kirk Muise, RBC Regional President, Alberta & Territories; and Dr. Tonya Wolfe, associate vice-president of applied research, RDP. (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

RBC SOLAR WALKWAY NAMED

RDP receives $600,000 donation to support Energy Test Hub

Apr 16, 2025 | 1:39 PM

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is celebrating a $600,000 donation from the RBC Foundation, meant to help it establish a new Energy Test Hub.

Housed in the Energy Innovation Centre, the hub features a flexible microgrid for testing and validating emerging technologies, including solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, wind generation and battery storage systems.

“Energy Innovation is a key area of focus for Red Deer Polytechnic. Through our Energy Innovation Centre, we are working with industry partners, RDP students, faculty and researchers to develop, adopt and implement new technologies and processes that are economically and environmentally beneficial,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. “Thanks to RBC Foundation’s donation, we will be able to expand our capacity to lead energy innovation applied research, education and training at RDP and contribute to Alberta’s productivity.”

The Energy Test Hub is expected t o provide training opportunities for students in various programs, including skilled trades and engineering. With this donation, RDP anticipates 2,500 students and 100 industry partners to collaborate in the space through education, training, work-integrated learning and applied research over the next five years.

Akshun Chauhan, a computer programming diploma alum at RDP who now works as an intern within the Energy Innovation Centre, says he never imagined getting to work in power systems, energy and development.

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“Working with industry partners on applied research projects here at RDP has not only strengthened my technical abilities but has also helped me build a professional network and given me the confidence to pursue a future in energy and innovation,” they comment.

To recognize the donation, RDP has named the solar panel covered walking path, connecting the main building and the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, the RBC Solar Walkway.

RDP aims to be a Net Zero Energy campus by 2031 and a Net Zero Carbon campus by 2041. Investments in energy innovation, such as this one, help to support these goals, the institution says.