New funding will support two new projects that reduce energy and water bills in large buildings, keeping energy reliable and affordable.
With utility bills on the rise and peak power needs putting pressure on Alberta’s grid, hospitals, warehouses and other large buildings across the province are looking for ways to lower costs, energy use and emissions.
To build on the province’s leadership in technology solutions, Alberta’s government is investing up to $8.1 million for two new projects that will help hospitals, warehouses and large buildings use energy storage and more efficient controls to save money, reduce emissions and help keep the lights on where and when Alberta needs power most.
“Large buildings such as hospitals and warehouses face distinct challenges in reducing emissions and managing costs. This investment supports solutions tailored to those complex systems, helping key institutions and industries across Alberta operate more efficiently and sustainably. It’s the kind of targeted support made possible by ERA’s programming.”
Justin Riemer, Chief Executive Officer, Emissions Reduction Alberta
Fare Vostro Energy Solutions’ Battery Storage Project
The province is investing $7 million through Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) to help Fare Vostro Energy Solutions launch a technology that lowers utility costs, reduces emissions and eases strain on Alberta’s power grid. This innovative system combines efficiency upgrades, solar power, and battery storage to create a grid-interactive microgrid system. This smart, behind-the-scenes solution will result in fewer emissions and more reliable power without changing how Albertans use energy.
Provincial funding will support the company’s pilot project that will be deployed at a warehouse operated by a multinational project partner, demonstrating the technology’s potential in real-world conditions. The long-term goal is to adapt the system for use in offices, hospitals, and other large buildings and bring it to international markets, creating high-value jobs in manufacturing and engineering, attracting investment to local communities, and helping diversify Alberta’s economy.
Mariner Partners Predictive Control Software
Mariner Partners will use $1.1 million in provincial funding to develop new software that reduces energy consumption, water use and emissions from the chilled water plants that are used for cooling in large buildings and manufacturing plants. The software builds a digital twin of a chiller plant, uses artificial intelligence to predict and manage wear on the equipment, and adds better sensors so the system runs more efficiently. This can reduce electricity and water use by up to 30 per cent, lowering power and water bills for hospitals, offices, malls and other buildings. Funding will support field tests and demonstrations across nine sites, including Calgary’s Chinook Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, and Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
“Financial support from the Government of Alberta, through Emissions Reduction Alberta, was pivotal in attracting significant private investment and strategic partners to showcase a cutting-edge Grid-Interactive Microgrid System. This innovative project will reduce emissions and transform both Alberta’s energy landscape and the energy infrastructure supporting critical sectors such as warehouse logistics and food distribution. We are proud to contribute to Alberta’s leadership in driving global energy innovation.”
Atul Mahajan, president and chief executive officer, Fare Vostro Energy Solutions Inc.
“Using advanced machine learning, we have developed the world’s most powerful predictive control systems and analytics tools for central plants. Thanks to the partnership with Emissions Reduction Alberta, we are now bringing this capability to our clients thereby helping them achieve best-in-class central plant performance, reduce energy use, carbon emissions and costs. We optimize the operation, control, and maintenance of central plants across sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, education, commercial real estate and more.”
Terry Cook, senior vice president of business development, Shift Energy (Mariner)
Quick Facts
- The combined value of the two projects is $22 million.
- Funding is delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Continuous Intake Program.
- Emissions Reduction Alberta is funded by Alberta’s TIER system, which uses industry compliance dollars to help Alberta facilities invest in innovative emissions-reduction technology to stay globally competitive, create jobs and save money.
Related Information
- Fare Vostro Energy Solutions Inc: Piloting a Grid-Interactive Microgrid System to reduce electricity and gas consumption.
- Mariner Partners Inc: Developing predictive control software to cut electricity, water, and carbon emissions from chilled water plants for cooling in large buildings and manufacturing processes.
For More Information, Contact:
Neil Wedin
Marketing and Communications, Emissions Reduction Alberta
nwedin@eralberta.ca
403-973-1015