EPCOR Smart Grid System (ESGS)

Lead Proponent

EPCOR

Project Background

The project commissioned a 13.6 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility with 4 MW/9 MWh integrated Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and an intelligent Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS). The project reduces the peak load demand at the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with on-site hybrid generation/storage and together with the DERMS software, enabling effective use of the grid-connected system to address capacity shortfalls in power system wires infrastructure.

Results

The project improves electricity delivery and reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through the integration of solar power generation and battery storage and the development of intelligent management controls. The project increases grid resiliency and reliability.

Benefits to Canada

The project reduces Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions through the use of solar power generation, BESS and the development of intelligent management controls. The project defers upgrades and capital investments at the Petrolia substation which translates to savings in utility demand charges to rate payers in Edmonton and defers addition to transmission rates that all Albertans must pay. The project increases grid resiliency and reliability and improves services for customers.

Next Steps

EPCOR continues education and knowledge dissemination for public awareness purposes. EPCOR will continue to highlight the project’s performance in the annual ESG report as well as their research partnerships with local post-secondary institutions. Both the University of Alberta and Norquest College have ongoing and active partnerships for the next 3 years of post-construction regulatory activities. Furthermore, EPCOR is developing plans to test the effectiveness of various DERMS functions for ongoing non-wires alternatives research for the electrical grid within the City of Edmonton.