Canada investing C$6M in Interactive Smart Zone Project in Quebec that will help integrate latest digital smart grid technology for transporting electricity, intermittent renewable electricity

Graziela Medina Shepnick

MONTREAL , November 2, 2011 (press release) – The Government of Canada is investing in new clean energy technologies to help modernize Quebec’s electricity networks. The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced up to $6 million from the Government of Canada’s Clean Energy Fund for the Interactive Smart Zone Demonstration project at the Hydro-Québec Research Institute. Minister Oliver was joined for the announcement by Elie Saheb, Executive Vice-President –Technology, Hydro-Québec.

“With this investment, our Government is helping to position Canada at the forefront of clean energy technology,” said Minister Oliver. “This innovative project is not only creating high-quality jobs in Quebec but will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Canadians.”

The Interactive Smart Zone Project will help integrate the latest digital smart grid technology for transporting electricity and intermittent renewable electricity. This will demonstrate different technologies and concepts related to the modernization and optimization of electrical networks, in particular the deployment of advanced measuring systems infrastructure.

“I’m pleased to welcome the Honourable Joe Oliver today at Hydro-Québec’s research institute,” said Mr. Saheb. “The support from his department is important to our smart grid development project.”

The project will help develop and perfect expert knowledge in a leading-edge field in Quebec, and will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving the energy efficiency of electrical distribution networks.

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Clean Energy Fund is investing $795 million in clean energy technology development and demonstration over five years. The Government of Canada’s support will help launch nearly 20 projects under the renewable and clean energy portion of the Clean Energy Fund, totalling up to $146 million. Three carbon capture and storage projects have also been announced, totalling $466 million from the fund.

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