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PowerConnect will provide you with a central location to keep up to
date with the latest developments in the area of decentralized power
generation in Canada. Technical and regulatory information and links
concerning the implementation of distributed energy resources (DER),
within
the competitive electricity market, are included on this site. Sub topics
include:
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Distributed Energy Resources |
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Interconnection |
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Standard Offers |
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Codes and Standards |
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Net Metering |
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Strategic DER Research |
Background
The integration of DER into the main electrical grid is currently
changing the paradigm regarding where electrical power is generated, how
it is transmitted, and how it can be delivered to the consumers through
a passive distribution infrastructure.
While numerous benefits are associated with this change, such a
transition also represents many challenges for all stakeholders
(utilities, independent power producers, governments, regulators,
manufacturers, housing industry).
In a collaborative effort, the Electro-Federation Canada and Natural
Resources Canada have committed to support the understanding and
adoption of alternate energy (e.g. photovoltaic, wind, fuel cells,
microturbines, bioenergy, etc.). An important objective of this
collaborative effort is the establishment and nurturing of a sustainable and
viable distributed generation industry in Canada. The project has
already led to the development and implementation of a Canadian
guideline and standard for the interconnection of small, distributed
power sources. Distributed Energy Resources
There is an accelerating world demand for environmentally friendly
power, generated with photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, fuel cells and
microturbines. There is a huge potential market among homeowners and
small business operators for these "green" micropower sources.
Micropower generators have the potential to improve air quality, reduce
environmental damage related to coal or oil-fired generation, and
provide greater security in the event of energy shortages. Also, the
connection of small, privately-owned electricity generators to the
public power system has many benefits for Canada’s economy. However, the
challenge for governments and regulators is to allow this new industry
to grow in a way that is both safe and efficient.
To that end, Canadian provinces and territories must have appropriate
technical standards in place. Such standards allow for consistent
manufacturing and installation practices, and reduce the costs;
paperwork and safety problems that now prevent many people from using
these new technologies. Grid Interconnection
While micropower technologies have to deal with specific requirements,
they also share common issues when it comes to interconnection to the
grid. Regardless of the electricity generation method, they all use
static inverters, which serve as the interface with the utility grid.
The existing standard on the static inverter itself must be upgraded to
suit new grid connected applications and power generation technologies. |
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