Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Energy is at the forefront of the climate challenge and key to the solution. Currently, a significant portion of the greenhouse gases (GHG) contributing to global warming comes from burning fossil fuels to produce electricity. These emissions are a major driver of climate change. To limit the most severe effects, global emissions must be reduced by nearly half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Achieving this requires investing in clean, accessible, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy sources. New Dawn Energy Solutions (NDES), one of Ontario's leading solar energy companies, helps residential, commercial, and institutional client's lower energy costs and generate electricity onsite with solar power. Recognizing the challenges developing countries face due to the lack of clean cooking energy and the associated GHG emissions, NDES is working to develop effiecient solar cooking solutions. Their approach leverages insulated concrete form (ICF) technology, used in foundation walls, as a means of thermal energy storage. In collaboration with Lambton College's (LC) Lambton Energy Research Centre (LERC), which has critical expertise and infrastructure to support this initiative, NDES is designing a solar oven capable of utilizing solar thermal energy for cooking during both day and night. Together, NDES and LERC will build a prototype using ICF for thermal storage, while conducting a feasibility study to assess the product's financial viability and its performance under various weather conditions. The goal is to create a system tat meets the cooking needs of a typical family, accommodating both daytime and nighttime use. This collaborative research aims to move from concept to innovation and could significantly transform everyday cooking. The project will lay the groundwork for the full-scale development of a solar oven integrated into residential building envelopes. By advancing solar cooking technologies, this initiative will empower individuals and communities to contribute to reducing environmental impacts - an important step in the global fight against climate change. Successful outcomes could also result in the creation of 3-5 new full-time jobs within three years and further enhance Canada's leadership in the clean energy sector.