Under the project, S&C will engineer, procure and construct an automated microgrid, which has the potential to integrate solar panels and other energy sources. The firm will also provide battery energy storage and GridMaster Microgrid control system.
In the past 10 years, the microgrid major S&C has installed around 17 microgrids and 21 large-scale energy storage systems.
The energy park will have a solar array installed on the Aquatic Centre of the city, with a capacity to operate in an isolated mode separate from the main power grid. The microgrid will enable the generation sufficient renewable energy to power Memorial Gardens ice rink.
The energy generated will also be used by electric vehicles for charging batteries. The handling of grid disruptions will be facilitated by the PureWave SMS-250 storage management system.
A cogeneration plant will also be included in the energy park to supply power to the microgrid and heat Aquatic Centre and Memorial Gardens.
North Bay Hydro CEO Todd Wilcox said: "This project will be for the benefit of the community: educationally, economically, and for employability. We will employ local tradespeople, run educational outreach programs in schools and provide power independence for the community.
“The project is modular; therefore, expansion will be easier as the site evolves as the needs of the community change. The Memorial Gardens and Aquatic Centre will be used as a refuge point in times of crisis, a priceless community benefit. This will be one of the few complexes within a 100km radius capable of keeping the lights and heat on while sheltering people if the main grid fails, for example, due to an ice storm."
