Shediac–Scoudouc Industrial Park Microgrid Feasibility
Goal
This study will assess the technical and economic feasibility of a net-zero microgrid for Shediac. It will model local electricity loads, including those of the expanded boundaries and the industrial park, evaluate combinations of solar, wind, storage, and other low-carbon resources, and test operation both independently and in coordination with NB Power's system. It will also explore ownership, revenue, and partnership options anticipated to be enabled in the near future. The result will be a clear roadmap with recommended system configurations, estimated costs and emissions reductions, resilience benefits, and next steps toward implementation.
Description
Shediac, New Brunswick, is a coastal community which has set a new goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2035, and has made progress towards this goal through the Shediac Net Zero Transition Plan (2019-2024) and the Shediac Smart Energy Community Project. As of July 1, 2026, the town's boundaries have expanded to include Shediac Cape and portions of Scoudouc, including the Scoudouc Industrial Park and its 41 tenants, presenting an opportunity to demonstrate the practical pathways to emissions reduction through on-site energy production and storage.
A net-zero microgrid is a localized energy system that can generate, store, and manage its own electricity, operating independently or in coordination with the main grid, while producing no net greenhouse gas emissions over a year. By combining resources such as solar PV, wind, battery storage, and other low-carbon technologies with smart controls, a microgrid can reduce emissions, stabilize energy costs, and keep critical services running during storms and outages.
Timeline: 2026-2027
Our team
Scientific directors:
- Prof. Ivan Kantor, Assistant Professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering
- Prof. Ursula Eicker, Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities, and Founding Director of NGCI, Concordia University, Co-PI, Volt-Age SEED project
Project coordinators:
- Dan Curwin, PhD student, NGCI
- Mack Phillips, Research Associate, Building Decarbonization Solutions, NGCI
Research collaborators:
- Nivinya Thranthiwatte Appuhamilage, PhD student, Chemical and Materials Engineering
- Baraa’ Abdelari, PhD student, Chemical and Materials Engineering
- Athena Karami Fardian, PhD student, NGCI
- Kamel Ali, PhD student, NGCI
- Isra Abo Iqsaysa, PhD student, NGCI
- Sara Salim, MSc. student, Chemical and Materials Engineering
