Halifax, Nova Scotia: A $1,119,000 investment has been announced to help Nova Scotia Power establish cost-effective energy solutions for an electric vehicle (EV) smart grid–integrated system.
The pilot project will demonstrate and assess smart charging EV solutions and technologies for the potential to make more efficient use of renewable power sources and reduce the demand on current electricity infrastructure, such as power lines.
The technologies will enable EVs to store and discharge electricity during peak times to ease pressure on the grid. The project will also recruit up to 200 participants to help inform the demonstration.
The announcement was made by Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of Seamus
O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.
Federal funding for this project was provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Infrastructure – Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration Program, which aims to accelerate the deployment and market entry of next-generation clean energy infrastructure.
The government has provided over $600 million to help make EVs more affordable and to support the establishment of a coast-to-coast network of fast chargers, as well as charging in more localized areas, such as retail stores, apartment buildings, on-street and workplaces.
This investment also includes establishing natural gas refueling stations along key freight corridors and hydrogen stations in metropolitan centers.
The infrastructure resulting from these investments will ensure that people can drive and charge their vehicles across Canada. Funding will also support the demonstration of next-generation charging technologies as well as the development of enabling codes and standards.
A government statement said:“The Government of Canada is committed to innovation and building a clean energy future to strengthen the economy, create good jobs and support the natural resource sectors. This will be more important than ever as we reopen the economy and plan our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These investments will be complemented by commitments included in the recent Fall Economic Statement and Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, which proposes to further accelerate zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) uptake by providing an additional $150 million, starting in 2021–22, for ZEV infrastructure and an additional $287 million in funding for vehicle purchase incentives that will make ZEVs more affordable for Canadians.
“The government supports innovative energy initiatives across the country that reduce pollution, create healthier communities and provide opportunities for economic development,.” the statement added Seamus O’Regan Jr.said: “We are providing greener options for Canadians to get where they need to go. This is how we get to net-zero by 2050.”
Andy Fillmore said: “As the Canadian economy recovers and we build back better, we are investing in innovative clean energy projects to create good, middle-class jobs, increase competitiveness and reduce pollution. This investment in this Smart Grid Nova Scotia Project will help us achieve our clean energy future.”