University of Toronto's Grid Modernization Centre to bring new clean technologies into Canada's electrical grid
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.
