Integrating Distributed Generation into Secondary Networks in Large Urban Centres

Lead Proponent

ENMAX Power Corporation

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a new solution to accommodate bi-directional power flows on urban electrical grids.

This can ultimately help unlock the untapped potential for urban centers, such as the city of Calgary, to allow generation from renewable and distributed energy. Initially, this will be demonstrated using Solar Photovoltaics (PV), but can be expanded to include other types of generation and resources. The success of this project could lead to significant reductions of GHGs and result in many other benefits.

Using a combination of advanced monitoring and controls as well as protective relay configuration changes that allow for export, the proposed project will demonstrate how solar PV, and ultimately other forms of distributed generation and energy resources, can be safely integrated into secondary and spot networks.

Expected Results

Overall, this will be a new approach to exporting customer-owned generation that is safe and sustainable for the grid.

It will lower the technical barrier to the utility, and ultimately remove an economic barrier for customers to invest in more renewable energy generation, increase clean energy in the city of Calgary, lower GHGs, and increase grid resiliency.

The project learnings will be disseminated to other municipalities across Canada and North America, magnifying the impact that will be experienced in Calgary.

Estimated GHG reductions (tCO2e):

3,411 cumulative by 2030