Grant: Alliance Grants

Climate change necessitates urgent action. For its part, Canada aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Space heating and transportation contribute substantially to Canada's energy consumption and GHG emissions. Therefore, the electrification of space heating and transportation will play a significant role in mitigating GHG emissions. This project will develop an evidence-based decision-support platform for residential load electrification, including heating and EVs. The objectives are to 1) develop residential electricity demand models from electrification (including EV charging and electric space heating); 2) develop load flow models to evaluate the impact of load electrification on Saskatchewan's urban residential power distribution systems; 3) develop mitigation strategies to cope with the negative impacts of load electrification; 4) evaluate the environmental benefits of electrification (e.g., GHG reduction); and 5) develop models and battery management systems for second-life EV batteries. The research results will assist utilities, including project partner SaskPower, in planning the time and frequency of infrastructure upgrade needs and developing new power distribution grid design standards. The platform will help policymakers develop and test smart EV charging and demand response programs to minimize the need to upgrade power distribution systems. To this end, the project also incorporates a feasibility study of roof-top solar panels and batteries, including second-life batteries. To meet its GHG emission and net-zero targets efficiently, Canada urgently needs research like this. This project will benefit all Canadians as climate change compels the transition to electrification.