Movers & Shakers SMART GRID RESEARCH GRANT LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
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Grid Technologies Lab at the school. The unique facil- ity will enable Dr. Li and his fellow researchers to test prototype smart grid technologies, which are critical to sustaining a stable supply of high-quality electricity. Expected to open next year, construction has al- ready started on the lab. Governments, utility compa- nies and renewable energy manufacturers will surely be keeping a close eye on the research taking place there. In Canada alone, the estimated cost of upgrading the nation’s electrical grid will hit $300 billion over the next two decades. Funding for the Future Smart Grid Technologies Lab comes from the federal government’s Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The lab was one of 117 new infrastructure projects to receive CFI funding in October. A total of $554 million in grants were awarded to 61 universities, colleges, and research hospitals across Canada, for projects involving artificial intelligence, quantum science, brain health, renewable energy, and much more. Alberta’s share was more than $44 million, for 14 projects at the U of A, six at the University of Calgary, and one at the University of Lethbridge.
The explosion of new technology — like that smartphone charg- ing on your desk — is putting a strain on Canada’s aging elec- trical grid. Integrating power supply mix is also proving a chal- lenge for electrical system operators. Yunwei (Ryan) Li, P.Eng. , wants to change that. An elec- trical and computer renewable energy into the traditional
engineering professor with the University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering, he was awarded a $2.5-million grant to help fund a new, $6.27-million Future Smart
Notice of Dues Increase On November 30, 2017, APEGA’s Council approved a Member dues increase. For Professional Engineers, Professional Geoscientists, and Professional Licensees, the new dues are $392 plus GST.
That’s an increase of $32 from $360, plus GST, in 2017.
All revenues generated by this increase will be placed in a new regulatory-risk management reserve. None of the increase will go towards 2018 operations.
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