A PEI company is carrying out work to help address energy and climate change challenges in northern and remote communities.
Frontier Power Systems Inc. (Frontier), as a result of an investment of more than $1.8 million by the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island, will continue its work on a new arctic power system based on completely redesigned wind turbines, variable speed diesel generators and an advanced energy storage system.
This joint investment was announced today by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, at an event at Frontier’s workshop in Brudenell.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Innovation Fund, will contribute a conditionally repayable investment of up to $1,796,186. The Government of Prince Edward Island has provided a $100,000 grant from its Development and Commercialization fund to assist with this phase of the project.
This undertaking, which involves further research and development, will result in a completely redesigned wind turbine power system that will be a reliable power source. The work required is expected to create upwards of 14 new positions with the company and sustain its eight existing, highly skilled employees. Frontier also plans to target the redesigned turbine toward export markets.
This funding commitment complements the Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda, which is designed to make Canada a global centre for innovation - one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all residents. Today’s investment is a perfect example of this vision in action.
Over the coming weeks, additional investments through the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) will be announced, bringing the total AIF investments in Atlantic Canada in 2016 to over $38 million. These investments focus on supporting advancements in clean energy and green manufacturing technologies, detection technologies for disease, as well as projects to improve the health, growth and broodstock of Atlantic farmed salmon. Further, they build on the commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces in the recently launched Atlantic Growth Strategy.
Quotes:
“Innovation is the path to inclusive growth. It fosters a thriving middle class and opens our country to new economic, social and environmental possibilities and is essential in shaping our future. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects like the one being undertaken by Frontier Power Systems, a company that will lead the way in renewable energy for remote and northern communities.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Frontier Power Systems is an excellent example of a company developing cutting edge technology right here on Prince Edward Island. It proves once again that Island companies have the skills and know-how to be competitive and successful in international markets, which helps build on our export strength and further grow our economy.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“Innovation does not occur on its own; it requires ideas, creativity, risks, and research and development. I am pleased to announce support for the Frontier team as they continue their innovative work from right here in PEI. This investment is a fine example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening innovation and commercialization in Atlantic Canada.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“This is an important announcement for us, Frontier engineers have spent the last 15 years developing wind energy technology for economic applications in both utility and remote communities. In that time we have established ourselves as industry leaders in the village power systems market – mainly isolated grids in remote areas. Our investment, coupled the repayable contribution from ACOA, and the provincial government grant, enables us to develop and bring these advanced technologies to market in a timely manner.”
- Carl Brothers, General Manager, Frontier Power Systems
Backgrounder
Project Description
Brudenell, Prince Edward Island
Frontier Power Systems Inc.
ACOA assistance: $1,796,186 (AIF Conditionally Repayable) Other Federal Funding: $50,000 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Provincial Funding: $100,000 Proponent Funding: $500,000 Other Funding: $21,000 (University of New Brunswick)
Total Project Costs: $2,467,186
Frontier Power Systems Inc. (Frontier) will complete the development of a next generation arctic power system that consists of multiple wind turbines, diesel generators and an advanced energy storage system. The system is intended to provide reliable electricity supply with an initial market focus on remote, off-grid, arctic communities that depend solely on diesel powered electricity generation. Frontier founder, Carl Brothers. P.Eng., is a pioneer in wind/diesel technology and has been involved in remote village electrification projects for the last 20 years. Recognizing deficiencies in existing technology, Frontier began improving upon an existing wind platform to improve performance and applicability in arctic regions. Initial work included the development of a self-erecting tower design, improved control systems to integrate new technologies as well as improved communication interfaces to perform remote diagnostics.
Frontier is now proposing to complete the remaining research and development that will result in a completely redesigned wind turbine. Remaining tasks include the development of an innovative blade design to maximize energy generation and a redesigned drive train to reduce weight and size. Finally, the company will develop an integrated containerized diesel generator and energy storage system to provide a complete energy solution for small grid communities.
Frontier will collaborate with the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Engineering on the drive train component of the project and will work with the Université de Moncton on the development of the advanced turbine blade.
This project is consistent with the Government of Canada’s priority to grow the clean technology sector and will result in a number of economic and environmental benefits and is anticipated to create 14 new positions and sustain 8 existing, highly skilled employees. The project will also focus on export markets as well as create a positive impact through improved energy security for remote, northern communities while displacing diesel fuel consumption through renewable energy.