Edmonton: EPCOR’s proposed E.L. Smith solar farm project received a boost November 30 as two investment commitments were confirmed that will enhance the solar farm by adding a complete smart grid system, with a battery energy storage system and intelligent controls and monitoring.
Natural Resources Canada announced an investment of $10.7 million as part of a federal program to invest in green infrastructure, particularly those involving smart grid systems.
The smart grid system will consist of the proposed solar farm, a battery storage system and intelligent controls and monitoring capabilities to optimize grid operation. It will add resiliency to the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant and reduce reliance on the electrical grid. The project also offers opportunities to enhance education and awareness of large-scale renewable energy and smart grid technology – allowing Alberta students and the general public access to solar technology that they otherwise would not receive.
If approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission and the City of Edmonton, the solar farm will have a peak generation capacity of approximately 12 megawatts. If the solar farm produces more energy than the water treatment plant can use, any excess will be exported back to the electrical grid.
The proposed project will involve installing approximately 45,000 solar panels on EPCOR’s property south of the water treatment plant.