Thunder Bay’s Confederation College is embarking on a new energy initiative to store surplus power effectively. The college, in collaboration with Synergy North, has secured $3.2 million from Ontario’s Grid Innovation Fund to construct a large-scale heat pump and thermal storage facility on its Thunder Bay campus.
Karla Bailey, the Vice President of System Planning, Asset Management, and Engineering at Synergy North, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its innovative nature in northwestern Ontario. She emphasized the uniqueness of the endeavor within the province and the potential for its outcomes to benefit other institutions.
The thermal storage facility’s primary function will be to store excess power for redistribution to the provincial grid during peak demand periods, as explained by Bailey. While the college oversees the physical construction of the new facility, Synergy North will supply the necessary software for its efficient operation.
Michelle Salo, the President of Confederation College, emphasized that the new system will offer valuable hands-on learning experiences for students. She highlighted the opportunity for students to observe the live energy system in action during their practical sessions, showcasing components like the biomass boiler and various energy sources such as electricity and natural gas.
Salo also underscored the system’s role in enhancing the college’s energy efficiency, leading to long-term cost savings. She emphasized the importance of sustainability, both financially and environmentally, in the college’s operations.
Looking ahead, Salo expressed hope that the system would be operational within the next two years, signaling a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure for Confederation College.
