Alberta Innovates – Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES) has announced that it is making C$2 million in funding available to help develop next-generation energy storage technologies for Alberta.
AI-EES says it is looking for technology providers – from Alberta and beyond – that have ideas for energy storage to enable and accelerate the deployment of wind and solar power in the Canadian province.
The group has issued a call for proposals, and applications are due Jan. 29, 2015. AI-EES will fund up to C$250,000 per approved project with up to C$2 million of funds committed. More information is available at ai-ees.ca/opportunities.
The group says renewable energy development can help Alberta meet its climate change goals. AI-EES' 2030 target is that 20% of the province's electrical generation will come from renewable sources with an energy storage capacity equivalent to 2.5% of total electrical generation.
‘The province of Alberta has strong wind and solar energy potential, but electricity needs to be available when the light switches go on, not just when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining," says Mark Summers, director of renewable energy for AI-EES. "Energy storage technologies will assist in making widespread use of those resources."
For further information on how energy storage can be integrated with renewable energy to create more resilient electricity grids, visit the Hybrid Energy Innovations event website here.
