About

Driving progress in energy storage

Led by Toronto Metropolitan University, through its Centre for Urban Energy, the NSERC Energy Storage Technology Network will drive progress in energy storage in Canada, by bringing together Canadian researchers, technology companies, utilities and government agencies. The network will develop next-generation energy storage technologies and products for the Canadian and international utility sector markets.

Transforming our energy systems

Modern grid-scale energy storage — such as large battery systems — are set to transform the electricity system in Canada, bringing immense benefits to industries, utilities, governments, consumers and the environment. Canadian transmission and distribution assets are aging and require significant investment, conservatively estimated at $350 billion by 2030. Energy storage can help reduce or eliminate these costs.

Capitalizing on a new market

Energy storage has been identified as one of NSERC’s priority target areas (external link, opens in new window) . Energy storage technology R&D and demonstration projects are increasing in Canada and worldwide. Canadian companies and products are now entering a market estimated at $600 billion over 10 years. Canada can capitalize on energy storage — similar to Denmark’s capture of the first wave of the wind energy market.

Collaborating across disciplines and sectors

Currently, Canadian energy storage systems require further R&D to develop market ready products for customers. By collaborating across disciplines and sectors (academia, industry, utility, and government), these challenges can be met.

Equipping the next generation

A fundamental pillar of the network is to train highly qualified personnel (HQP). Canadian companies and utilities will require this talent pool to replace retiring workers, and build and operate the next generation of electricity systems with energy storage.