PowerStream switches on microgrid in Penetanguishene, Ont.
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Ontario utility launches microgrid, 500 kWh storage system to improve reliability of existing grid, optimize power delivery
PENETANGUISHENE, Ont.—Ontario utility company PowerStream Inc. has powered up a microgrid project on the southern tip of Georgian Bay.
Capable of powering 400 homes and businesses in Penetanguishene, Ont. for several hours, the utility-scale system is designed to increase the reliability of the existing grid and optimize how power is delivered to select customers in the region.
Working in partnership with Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) on the project, the utility said the microgrid can operate both in “grid mode” and “island mode,” allowing it to draw power from transmission lines, or from its 500 kilowatt hour batteries during a disruption. In addition to the energy storage capacity, the project includes a controller system known as MiDAS (Microgrid Distributed Energy Resource Automation System), which autonomously controls and optimizes the flow of power. Coupled with storage, PowerStream said MiDAS can integrate renewable power sources with electricity from the grid.
PowerStream plans to run the system through its System Control Centre at its headquarters in Vaughan, Ont.
Along with launching the microgrid project late last week, the Ontario utility—which powers 400,000 homes and businesses in central Ontario—signed a Joint Development Agreement with KEPCO to continue the development and commercialization of the MiDAS technology.
