By Charles Lefebvre

Microgrid at college nearing completion

Feb 10, 2019 | 8:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat College is hoping to have its renewable energy microgrid project completed in the spring.

Work on the project is underway, with crews visible in the parking lot of the Cultural Centre.

“We almost have the solar canopy portion complete,” said Tracy Stroud, manager of business development at the college. “The panels are not in, but the actual structure is up. We are expecting that to be completed by March. We’re pushing for a March deadline. Our turbines are supposed to be shipped, and they should be arriving any day now.”

The microgrid project has been in the works since 2017. Last year, the federal government provided $526,000 for the project, while the province provided $215,000 Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) program in 2017.

The project will contain a solar canopy and small scale wind turbines. An electric vehicle charging station has already been installed.

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In addition to producing energy, Stroud says the microgrid will also be used as a teaching material for students and the community.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to learn from, but also in the community, we wanted to create a grid that was open for people to come see and be able to actually touch some of the components. We’re very excited to have it almost near completion.”

Stroud says an official opening will take place in the summer.