Community Renewable Energy Microgrid Demonstration Project (CREMDP)
This is a collaborative project presented by Medicine Hat College (MHC), with key partners including the City of Medicine Hat, the APEX Regional Innovation Network, Blue Energy Solar Wind Canada INC., and Terralta Inc.
Community microgrids enable a new approach to energy generation and distribution. Rather than traditional utility-scale power generation and associated high-cost power distribution networks, a microgrid co-locates generation and use on a smaller scale, reducing costs. Located on the MHC campus, the CREMDP will be a teaching and learning tool for students, municipalities, land owners, and organizations seeking the opportunity for practical engagement in renewable energy solutions.
The grid will also feature two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. EVs are expected to become steadily more common in the near future. This feature is part of a tourism project designed to support EV tourism across southern BC and Alberta.
With abundant natural solar and wind resources, and vast open rural areas, SE AB is the ideal location for the emerging clean energy sector in Alberta to develop and grow. However, as a relatively new sector in Alberta, there are limited opportunities for research, innovation, and training. This project will address that gap.
The CREMDP will involve the assembly of a microgrid on the Medicine Hat College campus that will:
TEST |
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TEACH |
Teach people from across North America how renewable energy systems can be used to solve community challenges in energy generation and carbon emissions mitigation. |
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TRAIN |
Create a unique teaching and learning tool for MHC students, municipalities, land owners, and organizations seeking practical engagement in renewable energy solutions. |
Q: Where is the microgrid located?
A: The grid is located beside the Medicine Hat College Cultural Centre.
Q: What does it look like?
A: The most visible aspects of the grid are a parking canopy in the Cultural Centre parking lot and two vertical axis wind turbines, all of which can be seen from the highway. The college has worked with relevant authorities to ensure there is no impact on traffic.
Q: How much energy will this create? (Will it power the whole college? Could it power the city?)
A: The solar canopy is projected to generate 170 MWh in the first year. The exact production of the wind turbines - which are a new design - will be evaluated on the grid. This amount of power isn't enough to power the campus, though it will reduce energy bills.
Q: How can I test my technology on the CREMDP?
A: If you have an innovative product you would like to test, please contact Mark Keller.
Contact us
For more information on the CREMDP please contact:
Mark Keller
Director of Advancement
403.529.3984
mkeller@mhc.ab.ca