By rdnewsNOW staff

renewable energy

Feds invest $2.2M in EQUS smart grid project

Sep 4, 2019 | 10:03 AM

The federal government recently announced it is investing $2.2 million investment in a smart grid energy project led by Innisfail-based EQUS.

In a release, the government says this project will create good, middle-class jobs during construction and lower the cost of generating and distributing power to customers.

Once completed, this project will be the first member-owned rural smart grid in Canada.

“In order to build Canada’s energy future, the Government of Canada is working with partners like EQUS and making important investments in renewable energy,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources. “The project announced today provides a model for rural utilities to strengthen their local grids, reduce costs and create jobs, while improving environmental performance — to the benefit of all Canadians.”

Among the smart technologies being implemented, eight micro solar photovoltaic generators and a 70 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system with battery storage will help power two electric vehicle charging stations in Medicine Hat. The project will produce clean, renewable power and increase the use of electric vehicles, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving grid reliability — thus delivering better services to businesses, farms and residential, commercial and industrial sites in ultra-rural areas.

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Once completed, this project will be the first member-owned rural smart grid in Canada.

“We’re looking to the future, and it’s clear that we need to be developing and implementing innovative energy solutions that can power rural homes, businesses and industry in the years to come,” said said Patricia Bourne, CEO, EQUS. “We’re excited to see the opportunities that this smart grid can create in rural Alberta and pleased that we’ve received such great support and recognition from the government as we move forward with this technology.”

Funding for the project comes from Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Grid program, part of Canada’s more than $180-billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

The province of Alberta, through Alberta Innovates, will contribute an additional $500,000 to the project.