PowerStream's Utility-Scaled Microgrid Becomes Operational
marketwired.com and barrietoday.com
June 29, 2016
PowerStream, in partnership with the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), officially launched a utility-scaled Microgrid, which has the capacity to provide several hours of backup power supply for approximately 400 customers residing or owning a business in Penetanguishene. This Microgrid is also helping to reinforce the existing grid by increasing resiliency and operational flexibility.
At the heart of this cutting-edge solution is the Microgrid Distributed Energy Resource Automation System (MiDAS), an advanced microgrid controller that can operate autonomously and optimize the way in which power is delivered. It has the flexibility to operate the microgrid either connected to (grid mode) or disconnected from the provincial grid (island mode), which enables PowerStream to provide power to customers even when there is a loss of supply from the Hydro One transmission lines.
In addition to providing backup power supply, resiliency and operational efficiency in a safe, secure way, MiDAS can also facilitate the use of renewable power sources to provide a lower carbon footprint and ultimately a cleaner environment.
Installed adjacent to PowerStream's Robert Street Municipal Substation located east of the town's Main Street and connected to a distribution powerline, the system consists of a 750 kilowatt (kW) Power Conversion System, 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of stationary batteries, a number of automatic switches, voltage regulation devices and other grid automation equipment.
The Penetanguishene Microgrid is being operated from PowerStream's System Control Centre at the company's head office in Vaughan and allows for performance monitoring by KEPCO through remote accessibility.
The launch of the Penetanguishene Microgrid also featured PowerStream and KEPCO officials signing a Joint Development Agreement, which will serve as a framework for the two energy companies to offer the MiDAS Solution to other communities and customers.
QUOTES
- "The Penetanguishene Microgrid is another example of our commitment to find innovative solutions to improve reliability and provide more energy choices for our customers," said Maurizio Bevilacqua, PowerStream Chair and Mayor of the City of Vaughan. "We look forward to continuing to build upon this technology for energy customers in our service territory and beyond."
- "The successful completion of the Microgrid demonstration project in Canada and signing of a Joint Development Agreement prove that our technologies are of global standards and are globally competitive," said Hwan-Eik Cho, CEO and President of KEPCO. "This success will create a momentum for KEPCO's advance to the North American market and the establishment of the global KEPCO energy belt that connects Americas, Africa, Middle East, and Asia."
BACKGROUND
- In November 2013, PowerStream became one of the first utilities of its size in North America to initiate a proof-of-concept Microgrid as a demonstration project at the company's head office in Vaughan.
- In 2015, Dr. Cho, Hwan-Eik President and CEO of KEPCO, and Brian Bentz, President and CEO of PowerStream, signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the two companies to undertake four projects to further the development of smart distribution and microgrid networks in the North American electricity marketplace.
ABOUT POWERSTREAM
PowerStream is a community-owned energy company that provides power and related services to more than 380,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. It is jointly owned by the Cities of Barrie, Markham and Vaughan.
ABOUT KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is the largest electric utility in South Korea and responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity as well as the development of electric power projects. The utility is responsible for 93% of Korea's electricity generation. KEPCO was ranked 97th on the Forbes Global 2000 public companies list, and 1st in the electric utility sector this year.
