NB Power Partnering with Siemens Canada, UNB on Smart Grid Innovations

April 6, 2017

NB Power has partnered with Siemens Canada and the University of New Brunswick to help companies to bring their Smart Grid visions to life.

The process starts at UNB. It acts as the idea incubator and physical device research facility, providing R&D in the early stage of the innovation cycle.

Siemens also conducts R&D and allows vendors to test the interoperability of various smart grid product and services components (i.e., is the product “Smart Grid ready”).

Then the product functionality and effectiveness is tested at an NB Power lab, which validates product requirements and compliance readiness. The lab also provides training and a platform for demonstration activities.

Together, the three labs form the Smart Grid Innovation Network.

New Brunswick has one of the most diverse electric systems in North America. It already incorporates wind, solar and hydro sources of renewable energy. However, the challenge remains to find a way to reduce and shift energy demand to “beat the peak” that happens from 6-9 am and from 4-8 pm.

Ensuring the province has enough energy in the system to meet these short-term daily electricity peaks means often relying on costly fossil fuel burning plants and imported energy.

Find out more about the Smart Grid Innovation Network and how it can help you explore your ideas: www.nbpower.com/blog/en/posts/2017/april/smart-grid-innovation-network-bringing-ideas-to-life/. 

Photo source: NB Power.