ELECTRICITY INNOVATION 2021
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Centre of Excellence 2021
The Canadian Electricity Association’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been celebrating Canadian innovation and cutting-edge technology in the electricity sector since 2018. Three years after its launch, the Centre of Excellence has now recognized a total of 90 innovative energy projects and initiatives from coast to coast to coast. The goal is to recognize and showcase transformational innovations in how electricity is produced, delivered, and consumed, and to highlight transformational progress in how electricity yields economic and social benefits for society. In 2021, CEA’s Centre of Excellence focused exclusively on a unique group of projects that align with the Government of Canada’s emissions reduction targets. Our commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050 cannot materialize without the electricity sector’s dedication to generate, transmit, and distribute clean power. “The Net Zero Edition” highlights and celebrates 15 innovative projects and initiatives from our members across Canada that will help shape our collective energy future and meet our collective climate goals. 2
Francis Bradley President & CEO, CEA
Coe 2021: Electricity Innovation • Canadian Electricity association
projects Capital Power: Decarbonizing Natural Gas & Advancing Renewable Generation..........5 ENMAX: Generation Fleet Efficiency Program.....................................................7 ENMAX: Mobile Fleet Electrification Plan.....................................................9 Hydro One: Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Strategy - 30x30 Net Zero 2050.......................... 11 Hydro Ottawa: Zibi Community Utility District Energy System............................. 13 Hydro Ottawa: Cambrian Municipal Transformer Station Pollinator Meadow......... 15 Hydro-Québec: Public Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles............................. 17 Northwest Territories Power Corporation: Inuvik HighPoint Wind.............. 19
Ontario Power Generation: Net Zero Needs Nuclear - SMR deployment at the Darlington New Nuclear Site............................... 21 Saint John Energy: Advanced Smart Grid for a Net Zero Future.................................... 23 SaskPower: First Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Regina, SK.............................................................. 25 SaskPower: Awasis Solar and Pesâkâstêw Solar Power Projects...................... 27 SaskPower: E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station Refurbishment.......................................... 29 Toronto Hydro: On-street charging network pilot project............................................. 31 Toronto Hydro: Bulwer Station Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)............................ 33
To learn more about ALL 90 innovative projects, scan the QR code with your mobile phone or visit: electricity.ca/innovation
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Coe 2021: Electricity Innovation • Canadian Electricity association
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Decarbonizing Natural Gas & Advancing Renewable Generation
Capital Power is fighting against climate change and – as a proud Canadian company – helping Canada achieve its net zero by 2050 goal. They are focused on innovation to reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and decarbonize their fleet by advancing carbon capture technology and expanding their renewable generation portfolio. Capital Power’s flagship, Genesee Generating Station, is a hub of innovation at the heart of their Alberta operations. As they transition off coal, Capital Power is investing nearly $1 billion to repower two of its three units to utilize bestin-class natural gas combined cycle technology and converting the supercritical unit to 100% natural gas. The repowered units will add 560 megawatts (MW) of net capacity, resulting in 1,360 MW of baseload generation capacity available 24/7 to power Alberta’s communities, economy, and essential services.
Following repowering and gas conversion, GHG emissions at the Genesee facility will be ~3.4 million tonnes per year lower than 2019 emission levels. To further advance decarbonization of Alberta’s electricity grid, Capital Power is investing roughly $400 million to add more than 250 MW of wind and solar capacity by 2023. They are also advancing plans to develop the Genesee CCUS Project, which would deploy the latest postcombustion carbon capture technology on their repowered Genesee 1 & 2 units. This project would capture 90% of the carbon emitted from these units – for an additional ~3 million tonnes per year in emission reductions – and could potentially be operational by the end of 2026.
The units will be hydrogen capable and carbon capture-ready – demonstrating the agility of this facility to implement the latest decarbonization technologies.
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Generation Fleet Efficiency Program
As one of many milestones towards achieving Net Zero by 2050, ENMAX plans to reduce or offset 70% of their scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 from a 2015 baseline. This includes their plan to reduce or offset GHG emissions associated with their power generation portfolio by investing in efficiency improvements and new technologies. ENMAX Energy is ENMAX Corporation’s Alberta-based competitive generation and retail business. Their strategic efficiency philosophy and program includes key investments to reduce the emissions intensity of their fleet while ensuring reliable operations. This approach includes introducing Canada’s first hybrid electric gas turbine at Crossfield Energy Centre, a project funded by Emissions Reductions Alberta. This unique technology combines a battery energy storage system with an existing natural gas-fueled turbine to provide standby electricity without burning fuel. Commercial operation began in May 2021 and is expected to reduce the run time of the turbine by approximately 80%, avoiding an estimated 45,000 tonnes of GHG emissions annually.
Additionally, the utility upgraded turbines at their Shepard Energy Centre (SEC) by adding leading edge technology components that allow for more output with lower emissions. As a result, they have been able to reduce facility GHG intensity to below 0.38 tCO2e/MWh (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per megawatt hour), which is already Alberta’s industry leading low emissions benchmark facility. In 2022, ENMAX is planning a turbine upgrade at the Calgary Energy Centre and expect a similar reduction of emissions at that facility. Since 2018, their generation fleet GHG intensity has decreased by more than 100,000 tCO2e per year.
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Mobile Fleet Electrification Plan
As a solutions-driven and future-oriented essential electricity service provider, ENMAX Corporation is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050. As one of many milestones towards achieving this goal, ENMAX plans to reduce or offset 70 percent of their scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 from a 2015 baseline. This includes their plan to electrify 35 percent of their mobile fleet by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030. ENMAX Power is ENMAX Corporation’s regulated Alberta-based wires business through which they own, operate and maintain Calgary’s transmission and distribution system. Their fleet of 333 vehicles gets their team members where they need to be to deliver service safely and reliably to their customers. ENMAX is taking the first steps towards fleet electrification by piloting two Class 6 fully electric medium duty vehicles. The pilot will help them better understand the performance of electric vehicles and how those affect their electrical system. This will include driving the vehicles in extreme temperatures to see the effect on the range, testing how long the battery lasts with tools in use and taking trips on less than a full charge.
In preparation for the pilot, 60amp/24kW charging stations will be installed in early fall 2021 at ENMAX’s facilities, and the vehicles will arrive as early as December to be prepped, decaled, and commissioned. The pilot is funded by Emissions Reductions Alberta (ERA) and will run until April 2023. It’s the first of its kind in Canada and could save an estimated 4,300 litres of diesel per vehicle annually. By 2030, ENMAX expects to reduce the cumulative GHG emissions of their fleet by approximately 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Seeing is believing—what is learned from this pilot will be key in achieving full electrification of ENMAX’s fleet and displaying their commitment to a lower carbon future to their customers.
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Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Strategy 30x30 Net Zero 2050
Hydro One is proposing to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050. Their emission goals will be accomplished through a number of programs and initiatives already in progress, as well as future innovations and new initiatives. Three key programs will contribute the most significant reductions:
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Management Strategies
Fleet Strategies: Decreasing the amount of fossil fuels
SF6 is a GHG-insulating medium that can leak from electrical equipment. Hydro One is making investments to replace their highest risk equipment to reduce leaks and improve their associated procedures and training. They are also balancing our installed base of SF6-containing equipment and exploring alternatives to SF6 gas.
Reducing vehicle fleet fuel consumption will help Hydro One reduce their overall carbon footprint. They have committed to replacing their fleet of light-duty vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids as those reach end-of-use, replacing 50% of sedans and SUVs by 2025 and 100% by 2030.
Their focus is on reducing our GHG emissions by changing the way they operate. However, Hydro One recognizes that they may also need to consider carbon capture initiatives, carbon avoidance, and purchasing of voluntary offsets to help them achieve their net zero goal.
Decarbonizing Electricity Generation and Distribution in Remote Ontario Communities Hydro One Remote Communities supplies electricity to 22 remote communities in Ontario’s far north. They will continue to partner with Indigenous Communities communities to reduce their diesel consumption. By 2025, Hydro One will reduce the need for diesel generation in nine remote communities in Ontario as a result of connection to the Wataynikaneyap Power Project. CoE 2021: Electricity Innovation • Canadian Electricity association
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Zibi Community Utility District Energy System
A new partnership between Hydro Ottawa, Zibi, and Kruger Products will help combat climate change through the reduction of carbon emissions using district energy for heating and cooling in the Zibi community, a 34-acre waterfront community on the Ottawa River. The Zibi Community Utility is a District Energy System relying on energy recovery from effluents from Kruger Products’ Gatineau Plant for heating, and the Ottawa River for cooling. Zibi tenants and residents will be able to take pride in living and working in one of Canada’s most sustainable communities and realize energy savings by using a temperature controlling application on their mobile devices.
The Hydro Ottawa, Zibi, and Kruger Products partnership is a first in the region, creating a model for zero-carbon district energy. Through this partnership, Hydro Ottawa provides more than 100 years of trusted utility experience and will work to integrate innovative clean energy solutions into the Zibi project in support of the group’s One Planet Action Plan, which focuses on zero-carbon and zero-waste development, among other sustainable benefits.
This innovative system – the first in North America to use post-industrial waste heat recovery in a master-planned community – will make Zibi the region’s first zerocarbon-emission community. When completed, all four million square feet of residential and commercial buildings at Zibi will be interconnected through a hydronic loop that will deliver heating and cooling energy.
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Cambrian Municipal Transformer Station Pollinator Meadow
Populations of Monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are in steep decline due to herbicides, pesticides, climate change and a reduction in natural pollinator habits. Utilities are ideally suited to restore these environments due to the number of utility corridors and properties in their service territories. In 2019, Hydro Ottawa began construction on Cambrian, a municipal transformer station in south Ottawa. Hydro Ottawa collaborated with the City of Ottawa and eco-experts from the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) to create one of the largest pollinator meadows of its kind in eastern Ontario. Given the transformer station requires only five of the 24-acre site, Hydro Ottawa dedicated 15 acres to a pollinator meadow. Four acres were reforested in 2020 with 2,750 trees and the meadow was seeded in the spring of 2021.
Areas like this, within the urban boundaries, are crucial because there needs to be as much canopy cover or natural areas within urban areas as possible. These sites are in short supply but high demand. “We have a core responsibility to provide safe, affordable and reliable power, but it has to be done in a way that also protects our environment and mitigates our impact on it,” says Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa. “An initiative like the pollinator meadow fits with our vision for a brighter and healthier Ottawa.” Hydro Ottawa is proving that no one, plant or creature, is too small to be considered, and that great opportunities come from symbiosis.
Hydro Ottawa supplied the land and covered the costs of the project, including site preparation, professional seeding, and the selection of native seed mix. Hydro Ottawa will also pay for the annual maintenance over a five-year term.
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Public Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles
Hydro-Québec’s Transportation Electrification division has continued to deploy electric vehicle charging stations since the 2012 launch of the Electric Circuit (EC). Today, the EC provides drivers of electric vehicles with one of North America’s most widely available and reliable charging networks. The EC counts more than 3,300 stations, including 570 fast charging stations, and enjoys a satisfaction rate of close to 90%, supported by round-the-clock customer service and technological features, such as mobile apps and a charging management platform.
Users now benefit from the largest and most reliable coverage possible, effectively eliminating hurdles to long interprovincial trips. The EC is also exploring various training and awareness initiatives, including campaigns with sustainable mobility stakeholders such as AVÉQ. All of these activities are contributing to exponential annual growth in EV registrations in Quebec, at a pace close to 70%, on average. The number of EVs has grown from 195 in 2011 to over 100,000 in 2021 – reaching half of the EVs on Canadian roads.
In 2020, the EC introduced test benches to validate the implementation of 100-kW fast charging stations. Testing now underway of ultra-fast stations (125 kW, 160 kW) will consolidate the EC’s strategy, which has proven to be best suited to current developments in the market. In 2020 the division also completely overhauled the systems used to manage the EC and the mobile app, which is now compatible with Apple’s Car Play and Android’s Auto technologies.
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Inuvik High Point Wind
Highpoint is 12 kilometres east of Inuvik, Northwest Territories, home to the Inuvik High Point Wind project. The installation of a single 3.5MW wind turbine, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and supporting infrastructure in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, will supply 30% of Inuvik’s annual electrical energy needs and up to 50% of the community’s instantaneous power demand. The energy storage capabilities of this project will ensure a steady output of power to the community even as wind fluctuates. Inuvik is currently supplied by diesel and natural gas brought in through the Dempster Highway.
This project will reduce the annual diesel consumption by up to 3 million liters and reduce GHG emissions by 7,000 tonnes. The wind turbine is on track to be completed by the fall of 2022 by NT Energy, a sister company of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Not only will this project lower the cost of electricity in the community, it will also contribute to Canada’s decarbonization goals and put us one step closer to Net Zero by 2050. *Note: Extra information about this project was pulled from this news article.
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Net Zero Needs Nuclear SMR deployment at the Darlington New Nuclear Site
Worldwide, we are facing a climate change crisis and need to mobilize every non-emitting power source including hydro, renewables, nuclear, carbon capture and storage. The evidence is clear, as stated by experts like the International Energy Agency – without nuclear power, there is no path to bringing the world’s greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. As more sectors of the Ontario economy, such as transportation, move toward electrification, there will be a growing demand for Ontario Power Generation’s clean power. OPG is preparing to meet this demand by advancing work for additional nuclear capacity at the Darlington site toward the end of this decade to provide low-carbon, reliable energy to support Ontario and Canada’s climate goals. New generation capacity at the Darlington site, in the form of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), will support OPG’s Climate Change Action Plan and companywide target to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040, and to enable others to reach Net Zero by 2050. SMRs offer the benefits of traditional nuclear reactors but are smaller in size and output, easier to build and operate.
They can help power remote communities that currently run on diesel generators, and industrial operations like mining sites. Each 300 MWe SMR would displace 1 megaton of CO2 emissions compared to natural gas, or 2 megatons compared to coal. OPG is uniquely positioned to lead new nuclear deployment because of their 50 years of nuclear expertise, strong track record of innovation, efficient operations, and project delivery and their diverse mix of generating assets. Without new nuclear, the opportunity for Canada to decarbonize is challenged.
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Advanced Smart Grid for a Net Zero Future
Saint John Energy’s advanced smart grid is a cornerstone of the utility’s ambitious efforts to contribute to a Net Zero future. Designed by Saint John Energy as part of its sweeping vision for the Utility of the Future, the smart grid will allow for the utility and its customers to become more energy efficient, introduce significant amounts of clean, renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions in New Brunswick. It will allow Saint John Energy’s customers to be a significant part of a cleaner energy future. Intelligent devices such as smart water heaters, smart thermostats and smart heat pumps in their homes will become part of the interconnected grid, giving them opportunities to save energy and contribute to a greener environment.
Energy storage options connected to the grid, such as the fleet of smart water heaters and heat pumps along with massive batteries like the Tesla Megapack, will allow Saint John Energy to effectively manage the ebb and flow of renewable energy, and attack the environmental and financial consequences of peak energy demand. In New Brunswick, the production of electricity to meet peak demand can double carbon emissions in the province. By introducing the smart grid, Saint John Energy is aggressively lowering peak energy demand and associated emissions. In 2021, the International Smart Grid Action Network declared the smart grid its top project, selecting it for its Award of Excellence.
The smart grid plays an important role in orchestrating the flow of renewable energy in the city, including the Burchill Wind Project that is set to power about 15 percent of Saint John with affordable, clean electricity. It will allow for the efficient use of solar energy from projects now under development.
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First Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Regina, SK
In 2021, SaskPower will begin building a utilityscale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Regina, Saskatchewan. This is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan and is capable of providing 20 megawatts (MW) of power for up to one hour.
As part of the planning process, SaskPower proactively worked with key stakeholders to understand any environmental risks or effects that needed further consideration and emergency services to support the facility.
This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada and will help SaskPower transition to a future of reduced emissions and more renewable generation. It will also help SaskPower understand the benefits this technology can provide to its system.
SaskPower’s supply plan includes a mix of options to help deliver reliable, sustainable, and costeffective power for Saskatchewan. Renewable power generation is key to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and to Saskatchewan’s power future.
The BESS will allow SaskPower to support energy from intermittent generation sources, such as wind and solar, and help deliver power to the grid during short-term power fluctuations. Battery storage has more flexibility and can respond quicker to short-term power fluctuations than some of the conventional generating units that are currently part of SaskPower’s power system.
SaskPower is on track to reduce its GHG emissions by at least 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The utility is also looking at how best to make even deeper cuts to GHG emissions beyond 2030, to ultimately achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
The technology supports SaskPower’s goal to reduce emissions and will be designed to withstand Saskatchewan’s toughest weather conditions.
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Awasis Solar and Pesâkâstêw Solar Power Projects
SaskPower is on track to reduce its overall emissions by at least 50% of 2005 levels by 2030 and is constantly striving to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With this goal in mind, SaskPower has established key partnerships with First Nations-owned renewable generation organizations to deliver clean solar power to Saskatchewan’s grid.
FNPA is a not-for-profit organization that works to include First Nations in the power sector in Saskatchewan as a means for sustainable economic development and community benefits. In May 2019, SaskPower signed a 20 MW Solar First Nations Opportunity Agreement with FNPA and as a result of this agreement, the Awasis and Pesâkâstêw solar projects were able to happen.
In two separate agreements, SaskPower has partnered with First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) to establish contracts with both Awasis Solar and Pesâkâstêw Solar to bring 20 megawatts (MW) of solar power to Saskatchewan’s grid (10MW from each partner respectively). These projects will help SaskPower work towards achieving its goal of reducing GHG emissions from 2005 levels by at least 50 percent by 2030. These projects were funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Pesâkâstêw Solar is a partnership between George Gordon First Nation, Star Blanket Cree Nation and Natural Forces. Awasis Solar is a partnership between Cowessess First Nation and Elemental Energy. Awasis Solar and Pesâkâstêw Solar will build, operate, and manage their projects while selling the power produced directly to SaskPower.
SaskPower will be adding a total of 60 MW of solar power to Saskatchewan’s grid in the coming years, and these two projects are an important part of diversifying SaskPower’s generation mix to ultimately achieve Net Zero.
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E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station Refurbishment
SaskPower’s E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station, first commissioned in 1963, was nearing the end of its operational life before SaskPower undertook a substantial refurbishment of Units 1-6. This will give the power station at least 50 more years to generate clean, renewable power for the people of Saskatchewan. Generating 289 megawatt (MW) of renewable, baseload, E.B. Campbell is a shining beacon on the North Saskatchewan River of SaskPower’s commitment to ultimately working towards Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions. This comprehensive refurbishment will run until 2025 and ensure the future of this station. This refurbishment will also make the station more efficient, enabling it to produce more power from the same flow of water.
The project is nearly halfway completed, and from the outset of the refurbishment, approximately $11 million has been dedicated to Indigenous and local employment opportunities and procurement. Every contract related to this refurbishment that includes onsite labour has a local Indigenous hiring requirement. E.B. Campbell, located on the Saskatchewan River near Nipawin, is upstream from the Northern Village of Cumberland House and Cumberland House Cree Nation. SaskPower is on track to reduce its GHG emissions by at least 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The utility is also looking at how best to make even deeper cuts to GHG emissions beyond 2030, to ultimately achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050.
Once completed, E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station will have rebuilt turbine, generator, and intake systems, as well as a full replacement of units 1 through 6’s electrical and mechanical balance of plant components. Construction is scheduled to make the best use of the plant’s generation availability when water levels are high, with rebuilds scheduled during typical low flow periods of each year.
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On-street charging network pilot project
Toronto Hydro and the City of Toronto, have partnered together to install electric vehicle charging stations on select streets across the city. These new stations are part of a pilot project, which aims to understand charging usage patterns in Toronto. This project will explore the viability of utility pole-mounted configurations; help permit holders gain access to on-street charging; and support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other emissions harmful to air quality. A total of 17 charging stations were installed across nine locations throughout the city. This includes a mix of sidewalk and utility polemounted configurations. The charging stations are located in areas that have enough capacity for dedicated electric vehicle parking spots, open to all electric vehicle owners with a “Level 2” connection on their vehicle. These locations were also chosen because the pole placement allowed for safe installation of the charging stations with minimal disruptions to pedestrians and the community.
More Toronto residents than ever before own electric vehicles. In 2018, more than 6,200 EVs were registered in Toronto compared to just 1,600 EVs in 2016, and that number continues to increase. In a poll conducted in preparation for the pilot, 71 percent of residents who participated were likely to purchase an EV in the next five years, and more said that they would consider purchasing EVs if charging stations were available. A variety of information including usage data, feedback from electric vehicle owners who use the stations, and feedback from the community will be used to evaluate the pilot project. The testing period will be completed in November 2021.
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Bulwer Station Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Toronto Hydro recently installed a battery energy storage system (BESS) with Renewable Energy Systems Canada and support from the Province of Ontario’s Smart Grid Funds. The Bulwer BESS project is a 2 MW/2 MWh BESS located at the Bulwer Municipal Station (MS), a decommissioned 4.16kV Toronto Hydro electrical substation, located in downtown Toronto. This location is a highly populated area with ever-increasing demands for electricity that could lead to an eventual strain on Toronto Hydro’s infrastructure. The BESS is used to reduce – or offset – peak loads when they occur on the distribution system and increase reliability to customers in the community in case of an outage. Natural gas, a source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), is often used to generate additional electricity required during peak hours.
Reducing peak loads also enables the utility to defer more costly infrastructure investments that would otherwise be required to maintain resilient electricity services for customers. The Bulwer Station Battery Energy Storage System project was completed in 2020. Toronto Hydro is also one of eight electrical utilities in Canada to have earned the prestigious Sustainable Electricity Company designation and will continue their focus on enhancing their environmental performance.
Therefore, reducing peak loads through the use of BESS technologies will be an important step in the journey to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate a key contributor of climate change.
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The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) would like to thank all electric utilities participating in the Centre of Excellence. This year, we have the privilege to welcoming 15 new initiatives from a total of 10 utilities across Canada. We would like to thank Capital Power, ENMAX, Hydro One, Hydro Ottawa, Hydro-Québec, NT Energy (Northwest Territories Power Corporation), Ontario Power Generation, Saint John Energy, SaskPower et Toronto Hydro for demonstrating innovation excellence in our industry.
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