Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The electricity system is undergoing substantial changes with the increasing demand for clean electricity to support electrification and net zero emissions (NZE) targets. Increasing penetration of variable renewables at the bulk power system level are challenging conventional operating practices and are requiring new services to ensure reliability and resiliency. While the need for change is becoming increasingly obvious at the wholesale level, a similar transformation is projected to occur at the distribution system level with the increasing adoption of Distributed Energy Resources to support decarbonization.       This research program seeks to develop suitable frameworks and policy recommendations for the realization of an NZE power system by 2050. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide key directions for sustainable development of the Canadian energy system through 2050. From these, the SDGs #7 to #17 are particularly relevant to de-carbonization of the energy sector. The Canadian energy system will have to decarbonize, and as the electricity sector gets cleaner, electrification should increase across the Canadian economy such that (i) electricity sources are low carbon, and (ii) production/distribution is reliable and equitable. Specifically, over the next five years, the short-term objectives of this research program will be: a. To develop new mathematical models of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), frameworks and cooperation mechanisms between the Independent System Operator (ISO) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to integrate NZE resources into the energy system. b. To develop new mathematical models and strategies to coordinate green hydrogen production, considering the uncertainties of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and, in coordination with energy storage systems to design a suitable framework to integrate green hydrogen storage systems (GHSS) in different electricity markets. c. To develop new Energy Management System (EMS) models and control strategies considering various low emission DER options for more efficient buildings and leading to NZE goals. d. To develop coordination models, smart EMS and charging strategies between electric vehicle (EV) fleet operators and utilities to design / upgrade capacity at charging stations.       The project will train a diverse and inclusive set of highly qualified personnel (HQP) with Master's and PhD qualifications who will serve the Canadian energy sector to ensure a sustainable and NZE system for the future generations.