A new research lab at University of Toronto will simulate how emerging clean technologies interact with the electrical grid, providing insight to address capacity constraints, potential cyber-security issues and other identified required system refinements. It will serve as Canada’s first accelerator for advancing and commercializing grid-integrated technologies and has been launched with a $10 million grant from the Canadian government and the backing of the university’s Clean Positive Energy (CPE) initiative.

The CPE initiative was established in 2022 to explore scientific, engineering, social and economic supports for the transition to net-zero carbon emissions, and is also aligned with research efforts around sustainable energy, energy storage and sustainability financing. It’s foreseen that the new grid modernization centre will host up to 120 businesses commercializing the components of decarbonized, decentralized, digitalized electricity system.

“Working across government with communities, industry and universities is key to building more energy infrastructure across Canada — infrastructure that is not only affordable, but also reliable and clean,” says Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“By convening stakeholders across the electricity ecosystem, Climate Positive Energy and their partners will help ensure the electrical grid remains safe and reliable, while supporting the development of clean technologies and jobs,” maintains Professor Leah Cowen, vice president, research, innovation and strategic initiatives, at University of Toronto.