Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

NSERC CREATE for Hybrid Thermal Electric Microgrid (HyTEM) is a transformative training program that serves the pressing need to train highly qualified personnel (HQP) with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to develop and implement novel sustainable microgrid systems. These microgrids enable integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into electric and thermal networks, so they can work in harmony based on demand and supply patterns. The objective is to develop both "stand-alone microgrids", where there is no connection to an integrated network, e.g., in Northern, off-grid communities, as well as "systems of microgrids", where seamless uninterrupted integration with electric and thermal networks is desired. HyTEM offers a holistic training that covers engineering as well as business, techno-economical, environmental, social, and policymaking aspects. In addition to developing technologies, HQP will be trained to navigate complex policies and regulations and communicate their findings to policymakers and the public, the skills that are largely missing in engineering programs in Canada. HyTEM is structured around four elements: i) specially designed new courses in the technical, global, and social aspects of hybrid microgrids; ii) interdisciplinary "team projects" and "project teams"; iii) professional and soft skills training; and iv) internship and collaboration opportunities with academic and (inter)national laboratories in Canada, Japan, Russia, Denmark, UK, and Europe. HyTEM integrates the expertise and infrastructure of 11 research teams from the 6 partner universities (SFU, UBC, Carleton, Ottawa, Ryerson, and Waterloo) with 30 partner institutions, including national labs, leading international research centers, non-profit think tanks, and industry partners. The talent, expertise, and technologies will enhance Canada's ability to develop the next-generation of clean energy solutions, reduce emissions and environmental impacts, and provide energy and job security for the benefit of all Canadians.