Given their potential in decarbonizing critical sectors, how can industry-academia collaborations in Ontario be optimized to fast-track the adoption and integration of emerging hydrogen technologies in transportation?

Ontario has taken strides in hydrogen technology, as demonstrated by projects like the Bruce Hill and Sarnia Lambton hydrogen hubs. These projects emphasize Ontario’s dedication to hydrogen as a pivotal clean energy solution. Additionally, with the pilot of a hydrogen-powered train in Quebec, there’s evident interest in transitioning to cleaner transit methods. Such endeavours underscore Ontario’s critical position in this transition. Collaborations between industry and academia are paramount to fostering innovation and embedding these advancements into an all-encompassing policy framework, paving the way for a greener transportation future in Ontario.

What factors should be evaluated to address challenges in public perception amongst stakeholders (government, utility providers, communities) related to adoption of microgrid technologies such as CleanField® and accelerate transition to sustainable energy in large-class EV & HEV transportation in urban areas ?

CleanField® is a groundbreaking initiative focused on repurposing neglected Industrial Brownfields into self-sufficient green energy microgrids. Its primary goal is to accelerate the development of essential charging infrastructure for large class EV & HEV heavy transportation and other green applications. By leveraging expansive solar energy generation farms and advanced remedial technologies, CleanField® addresses both the challenge of Brownfields and the growing need for sustainable energy.

How can CleanField® effectively contribute to grid modernization efforts, enhance the resilience and reliability of electrical systems and accelerate the adoption of large-class EV transportation by alleviating stress on existing electrical infrastructure?

CleanField® represents a transformative solution in the rapid provision of the necessary charging support infrastructure for the emerging large class EV & HEV heavy transportation sector while simultaneously addressing the pervasive challenge of Brownfields across North America. The innovative approach of CleanField® involves the revitalization and repurposing of Industrial Brownfields into self cleaning green energy microgrids. Its objective is to expedite the establishment of crucial charging infrastructure, catering specifically to the evolving demands of the next-generation large class EV & HEV heavy transportation sector, in addition to a variety of other applications that benefit from the local production of green energy in combination with historic high capacity grid connections. This formidable solar network is intricately coupled with a cutting-edge array of multidisciplinary, in-situ remedial technologies, meticulously engineered to remediate both soil and groundwater while concurrently generating renewable energy. The resulting solar power, synergized with adept energy storage mechanisms and robust historic high capacity industrial grid connections, bestows upon this microgrid the unprecedented capability to meet the formidable energy requisites posed by the forthcoming wave of large class EV & HEV heavy transportation.

What cutting-edge technologies, partnerships or research advancements can CleanField® leverage to continuously improve the efficiency, environmental impact, and overall effectiveness of our microgrid solutions for sustainable transportation?

CleanField® is a groundbreaking initiative focused on repurposing neglected Industrial Brownfields into self-sufficient green energy microgrids. Its primary goal is to accelerate the development of essential charging infrastructure for large class EV & HEV heavy transportation and other green applications.
– Investigate advancements in energy storage technologies such as advanced batteries and supercapacitors to improve energy storage capabilities and efficiency.
– Explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to optimize energy management and distribution within CleanField® Microgrid Energy Centers.
– Foster an “Open Architecture” approach, allowing collaboration with education and research partners to experiment with new technologies and hybrids addressing specific contamination challenges like PFAS/PHOS and other persistent pollutants.
– Explore hydrogen fuel cell technology for localized hydrogen production, offering a sustainable energy source for CleanField® Microgrid, further advancing the versatility and sustainability of the initiative.
– Investigate emerging solar and wind energy technologies, including flexible solar panels and next-gen wind turbines, to enhance renewable energy generation capacity and reliability.
– Research advanced materials and nanotechnology applications to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of CleanField® Microgrid Energy Centers, ensuring continuous advancements in sustainable energy solutions.
– Explore potential applications of CleanField® in water purification for remote areas, addressing critical challenges in providing clean and safe water sources to underserved communities and promoting sustainable development.

6136: How can CleanField® effectively contribute to grid modernization efforts, enhance the resilience and reliability of electrical systems and accelerate the adoption of large-class EV transportation by alleviating stress on existing electrical infrastructure?

6139: What cutting-edge technologies, partnerships or research advancements can CleanField® leverage to continuously improve the efficiency, environmental impact, and overall effectiveness of our microgrid solutions for sustainable transportation?

6136: CleanField® represents a transformative solution in the rapid provision of the necessary charging support infrastructure for the emerging large class EV & HEV heavy transportation sector while simultaneously addressing the pervasive challenge of Brownfields across North America. The innovative approach of CleanField® involves the revitalization and repurposing of Industrial Brownfields into self cleaning green energy microgrids. Its objective is to expedite the establishment of crucial charging infrastructure, catering specifically to the evolving demands of the next-generation large class EV & HEV heavy transportation sector, in addition to a variety of other applications that benefit from the local production of green energy in combination with historic high capacity grid connections. This formidable solar network is intricately coupled with a cutting-edge array of multidisciplinary, in-situ remedial technologies, meticulously engineered to remediate both soil and groundwater while concurrently generating renewable energy. The resulting solar power, synergized with adept energy storage mechanisms and robust historic high capacity industrial grid connections, bestows upon this microgrid the unprecedented capability to meet the formidable energy requisites posed by the forthcoming wave of large class EV & HEV heavy transportation.

6139: CleanField® is a groundbreaking initiative focused on repurposing neglected Industrial Brownfields into self-sufficient green energy microgrids. Its primary goal is to accelerate the development of essential charging infrastructure for large class EV & HEV heavy transportation and other green applications.
– Investigate advancements in energy storage technologies such as advanced batteries and supercapacitors to improve energy storage capabilities and efficiency.
– Explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to optimize energy management and distribution within CleanField® Microgrid Energy Centers.
– Foster an “Open Architecture” approach, allowing collaboration with education and research partners to experiment with new technologies and hybrids addressing specific contamination challenges like PFAS/PHOS and other persistent pollutants.
– Explore hydrogen fuel cell technology for localized hydrogen production, offering a sustainable energy source for CleanField® Microgrid, further advancing the versatility and sustainability of the initiative.
– Investigate emerging solar and wind energy technologies, including flexible solar panels and next-gen wind turbines, to enhance renewable energy generation capacity and reliability.
– Research advanced materials and nanotechnology applications to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of CleanField® Microgrid Energy Centers, ensuring continuous advancements in sustainable energy solutions.
– Explore potential applications of CleanField® in water purification for remote areas, addressing critical challenges in providing clean and safe water sources to underserved communities and promoting sustainable development.

How do we model the net/diversified demand of electric heat pump HVAC units at the transformer level? What are the options available to manage the utilization of electric heat pumps for optimal capacity utilization of distribution transformers?

For context, many utilities size heat pumps close to their peak (100%) draw, but this may result in an overestimation of load capacity needed as heat pumps may turn on at different times depending on usage patterns or building envelope insulation.

How can utilities forecast the normalization of feeder/system peak demand based on the percentage of DER penetration in their systems, and reliably account for this normalization in their long-term system planning?

Penetration of DERs may help reduce the net demand of distribution feeders / systems. However, it can be unpredictable as some of the DERs generate intermittently (such as solar, wind)

The concept of a Distribution System Operator (DSO) model and a “flexibility market” is becoming more popular amongst utilities in Europe and North America. While the grid operation and cost benefits have been frequently presented, the economic benefits of more local/regional investments, environmental benefits, and increased resiliency from extreme climate change events have not been as well-quantified. How can these benefits be modelled or quantified appropriately? What are recommended actions to advocate for these benefits properly as they often sit with different government branches or jurisdictions?

There is an increasing appeal of adopting the DSO model across the world. However, the extent of the benefits of implementing DSOs and increasing adoption of DERs have not been fully quantified.

6098: Residential EV adoption: How do we manage imbalancing of single phase circuits and local transformers to better accept more EV’s? [s2e Technologies]

6107: How do we model the net/diversified demand of EV charger loads at the transformer level? What are the options available to manage the charging load of electric vehicles for optimal capacity utilization of distribution transformers? [Enova Power Corp.]

6098: As EV adoption increases in residential communities, charge loads are creating imbalancing of single phase circuits which supply power to homes, thus imbalancing local transformers and threatening overheating and other maintenance challenges. How do we manage the grid to better accept more EV’s and manage these imbalances? [s2e Technologies]

6107: For context, many utilities size EV chargers close to their peak (100%) draw at present, but this may result in an overestimation of load capacity needed as EV chargers may charge at different times and throttle depending on the state of the battery capacity left. [Enova Power Corp.]

With the recent announcements of Ammonia used as a fuel for ICE in China and Europe, and the focus Canada has on Hydrogen, what are the considerations to ensure feasibility on the possible infrastructure required for Canada to use Ammonia as a fuel for ICEs?

When we look at our organization and its future growth while becoming climate positive, we see challenges with the infrastructure as is being experienced with the electrification of transportation and the infrastructure for supporting electric vehicles. Hydrogen, Ammonia and other sources will pose a greater challenge with infrastructure.

What is being done or, how can we fast track actions to ensure the labour force is available and that regulations such as zoning are keeping pace with the technological advancements of a hydrogen economy?

Hydrogen has monopolized much of the conversation and there is a massive push to utilize hydrogen more in large commercial vehicles. This will put pressure on the industries ability to keep pace with the peripheral needs such as safety standards for filling stations, maintenance of such vehicles and specialized licensing around these tasks. When we consider our future enterprise and our desire to utilize sustainable energy sources and be a climate positive enterprise, we find ourselves facing challenges such as capital costs associated with the infrastructure required, zoning considerations for the installation and dispensing of the sustainable energy sources such as hydrogen and ammonia along with challenges in hiring of individuals with the required experience to work in these fields.

How do we optimize optimization algorithms for solving optimal power flow (OPF) problems in large T&D grids with hundreds of renewable energy resources, battery storage systems, fast EV-chargers and flexible loads (e.g., smart thermostats, smart appliances, etc.)?

Smart Grids’ Computational challenges for large T&D networks.

What needs to be considered to ensure cyber-secure communication protocols for data/information exchange among AMI, IoT, smart meters and computational clouds (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google, etc.) and local device controllers for intelligent energy management systems?

Smart Gids’ Cyber-security challenges between Energy Grids and ICT Networks.

A number of EV uptake projections consider like for like ICE to EV switching. What role, if any, would growth of ride sharing have on the volume of EV sales. Further, if you layer on top of that the impact of autonomous driving (as ride sharing) would that have an even greater impact on EV sales? If there is a impact (likely drop) in EV sales, would that decrease the infrastructure required for grid modernization, if so, potentially by how much?

None at this time

6140: Does access to EV charging infrastructure (including any regulatory barriers) imped EV uptake and what opportunity would then exist to make sure EV charging infrastructure is accessible including fleet/commercial vehicles and residential (home/condo/apartment) connection points?

6146: How do we enable policy and regulation for efficient and reliable energy exchange, grid coordination, reliable GRID, BUILDINGS and eV integrated operations

6140: none

6146: none

What kind of infrastructure changes would be required to support a transportation system predominantly powered by renewable energy?

Transitioning to a renewable energy-powered transportation system necessitates extensive infrastructure changes. Key elements would include widespread installation of EV charging stations with quick charging capabilities, modernization of power grids to handle increased electrical load, and the development of large-scale energy storage units to ensure consistent energy availability. The implementation of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems would enable EVs to contribute to grid stability during peak demand, while standardizing charging equipment and the technology used in charging networks would enhance user convenience. For alternative renewable-energy like hydrogen fuel cells, corresponding production sites, storage facilities, and refueling stations would be required.

Understanding that EV charging stations require connectivity to operate efficiently, how can we efficiently deploy connectivity in rural regions where there may not be coverage? (eg. can tower build and charger build be deployed together?)

EV charging companies have mentioned that one of the key issues for adoption is the requirement to build out to rural towns, however they are unable to get connectivity to ensure they can monitor the health of their stations.

We believe there is an opportunity to help drive more EV stations if we can find a way to efficiently build out coverage as today’s process is quite a long lead time.

6121: How can 5G connectivity help to improve EV charging experience for EVs?

6127: How can cellular connectivity play a role in helping to improve grid optimization?

6121: We’ve heard from multiple OEMs that one of the biggest roadblock to adopting EVs is the poor customer experiences at the charging station. From lack of entertainment, poor process of payment/account setup and charging, or when they find out the charging stations are not working.

We believe there is an opportunity that 5G connectivity can help play a role in helping to solve some of these problem as connectivity is the root of enabling these.

6127: Understanding that building out the grid is a heavy task, the next best thing is to identify the best way to manage and optimize the usage during off-peak times.

We believe there is an opportunity to leverage connectivity to help efficiently facilitate and optimize the activities on the grid and connectivity directly to devices.

6098: Residential EV adoption: How do we manage imbalancing of single phase circuits and local transformers to better accept more EV’s? [s2e Technologies]

6107: How do we model the net/diversified demand of EV charger loads at the transformer level? What are the options available to manage the charging load of electric vehicles for optimal capacity utilization of distribution transformers? [Enova Power Corp.]

6098: As EV adoption increases in residential communities, charge loads are creating imbalancing of single phase circuits which supply power to homes, thus imbalancing local transformers and threatening overheating and other maintenance challenges. How do we manage the grid to better accept more EV’s and manage these imbalances? [s2e Technologies]

6107: For context, many utilities size EV chargers close to their peak (100%) draw at present, but this may result in an overestimation of load capacity needed as EV chargers may charge at different times and throttle depending on the state of the battery capacity left. [Enova Power Corp.]

6140: Does access to EV charging infrastructure (including any regulatory barriers) imped EV uptake and what opportunity would then exist to make sure EV charging infrastructure is accessible including fleet/commercial vehicles and residential (home/condo/apartment) connection points?

6146: How do we enable policy and regulation for efficient and reliable energy exchange, grid coordination, reliable GRID, BUILDINGS and eV integrated operations

6140: none

6146: none

6119: How do we ensure data communication between different systems of different brands in a integrated fleet electrification solution that will rely strongly on data for O&M and client services planning?

6143: What should we consider when analyzing interoperability challenges and when developing standardized protocols for seamless integration of micgrogrids and VPP’s into the existing grid infrastructure

6119: We are planning the corporate Maintenance fleet electrification for the next 5 years. Many vendors are available for EVs, EV charging stations, bank of batteries, electric switch boards, energy management systems, etc., that collects data from their products but not necessarily communicate to other systems. E.g. We need data of EV for planning maintenance, but sometimes data is proprietary; we need data from EV charging stations for electricity cost share, PV solar, bank of battery and energy management systems for optimal electricity flow at lower cost, among other strategic planning decisions.

6143: none

How do we guarantee resiliency, reliability, and affordability as the grid will be transformed to support the electrification, knowing it will be transformed into bi/multi directional power flow?

Today’s Grid was built over last 100 years for uni directional power flow and assuring reliability and resiliency needed. With the Net Zero objective, exponential growth of DER and EV is forecasted to support electrification.
How Grid will be transformed to support the electrification, knowing it will be transformed into bi/multi directional power flow, while the resiliency, reliability and affordability has to be guaranteed still”.

How can our organization explore the intersection of technological innovation and the culture of sustainability within the evolv1 building to open new opportunities in Sustainable Energy in Transportation and Grid Modernization to benefit our local community and Canada?

The evolv1 building opened in 2019 and was certified LEED Platinum in 2020. It was also Zero Carbon Building – Performance Certified by the Canada Green Building Council in 2019-2020. evolv1 has performed really well to reduce energy and water use, cut waste, and is more affordable to operate. Most of the benefits of the building were to the occupants and visitors as they worked in the building. Sustainable Waterloo Region would like to look at new opportunities on how the building can also enhance the way tenants and visitors utilize sustainable energy for transportation and grid modernization.

See the report for The Unique Story of evolv1 in Waterloo Region developed by the Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability here.