Canada this month unveiled $16 million in funding for energy projects in the Maritime provinces.
The federal investments target projects aiming to help deliver reliable, affordable clean energy in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, according to a statement from the government.
This includes modernizing electricity grids and advancing carbon capture technologies.
“Our government’s vision is clear: to make Canada a clean and conventional energy superpower,” stated Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“We are investing in energy innovation to get more energy to market while tackling climate change,” he said.
For example, through Canada’s Energy Innovation Program, Maritime Electric is getting $2M to demonstrate the integration of smart-grid technology through the public cellular network in Charlottetown.
Atlantic Canada must “modernize our electricity distribution system to enhance efficiency and resiliency,” according to Gilles Arsenault, who serves as Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action for PEI.
“This investment in Maritime Electric’s grid modernization is a welcome next step in a more reliable and efficient electrical system in our province,” stated Arsenault.
Saint John Energy, meanwhile, is receiving over $5M to modernize electricity distribution in the City of Saint John through intelligent grid management systems and deliver cost savings and improved service reliability to 36,000 customers.
“For more than a century, Saint John Energy has been a trusted provider whose success has been driven by innovation and sustainability,” remarked New Brunswick Minister of Energy René Legacy.
“As we work toward establishing a clean, diverse, and secure energy future for all,” stated Legacy, “we welcome investments that can support the transition of our province’s energy landscape.”
Nova Scotia Power is getting $6M to demonstrate three new distribution grid technologies that could modernize Nova Scotia Power’s electricity distribution network.
The Alternative Resource Energy Authority received just under $1M to implement smart metering infrastructure, while Dalhousie University attracted a similar sum for its project developing a roadmap for policies and regulations to support a regulatory framework for offshore carbon storage.