+44 (0)24 7671 8970
More publications     •     Advertise with us     •     Contact us
*/
News Article

Solantro Awarded $3.8 Million in Funding For Self-Forming Nano-Grids


Solantro Semiconductor Corp., has announced that it has been awarded up to $3.8 Million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to accelerate the development and commercialization of its custom integrated circuits and control firmware for use in establishing and controlling Self-Forming, Dynamically Scalable, Renewable Energy Nano-Grids.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global demand for electricity will grow by over 70% by 2035, requiring an investment of $6.8 trillion to upgrade and extend the worldwide electricity distribution network. Renewable energy and in particular solar PV, is a large part of the solution to meeting this increasing global need. However, there are many challenges associated with managing the dynamics of distributed renewable energy generation, storage and load management to efficiently balance power generation and demand. Solantro addresses these challenges through specially developed control software running on its custom integrated circuits. This SDTC-supported project has the potential to create a new model for consumer-level deployment of renewables, allowing for increased energy self-consumption, and accelerating the displacement of fossil fuels in grid-back-up and off-grid / rural electrification installations.

"Canada must nurture highly skilled individuals and new ideas that will help our businesses innovate, secure new markets and create well-paying jobs," said Minister Oliver. "By supporting advanced research and technology, our government is investing in Canadian prosperity and a cleaner environment."

"The projects announced today are great examples of the Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship that characterizes SDTC's portfolio, valued at more than $2 billion and brimming with innovative technological solutions," said Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. "Canadian cleantech leaders are continuing to create economic opportunities and open up avenues to new export markets."

As a result of the SDTC funding, Solantro will be able to accelerate development and market introduction of its chipsets, control firmware and reference platforms.

Solantro's Consortium Partners; Alpha-Outback, Celestica, Infinity Island and others will incorporate and advance the Solantro technologies through field tests and prove out these innovations under dynamic real world conditions. A successful demonstration will enable rapid market rollout of the technology that within 5 years could result in generation of over 1,164 GWh of energy and the displacement of over 116 KT of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

"Working with sophisticated and visionary energy management partners such as Alpha-Outback, Celestica and Ile Infinie provides us with ideal partnerships to bring our disruptive Intelligent Power Silicon chipset and firmware technology to market. These partners share our innovative and compelling view of the evolution of the renewable energy marketplace," said Solantro's Founder and CEO Antoine Paquin.

The Alpha Group pioneered the concept of reliable, uninterruptible power for communications and broadband networks, and in the process has set a 35-year legacy of visionary, market-driven power solutions. OutBack Power Technologies, a member of The Alpha Group, is the leading designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, back-up power and mobile applications applications including solar, wind, micro-hydro, and battery based energy systems.

For this Project, Alpha will validate the Solantro technologies within their products and systems to ensure market viability. During the conduct of this project Alpha will be conducting activities related to validation and prototyping and contributing in kind (labour, materials, testing).


×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
Logo
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the Power Electronics World Magazine, the Power Electronics World Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in: