WSP provided technical advisory services to assess the development of the network and reviewed the state of existing Smart City-related technologies to identify and address all relevant needs to enable innovative and sustainable development.
Further, to define the project, WSP’s integrated team of in-house microgrid, SCADA, distribution networks and renewables (solar, BESS, etc.) specialists in the UK, US and Canada collaborated with Hydro-Quebec’s engineers, operators and R&D scientists. Further, we engaged Lac-Mégantic’s representatives and stakeholders to ensure the definition of the microgrid would include the long-term Smart City vision, thereby driving the project to success.
About Microgrids
To cope with the rising demand for energy, cities around the world are developing new and innovative strategies to generate, distribute, and consume energy as cleanly and efficiently as possible, while addressing issues of reliability and security.
One strategy involves using microgrids and distributed energy systems located close to benefits to users. Microgrids help reduce the cost and potential energy loss involved in transmitting electricity over long distances; they support energy reliability by disconnecting from the grid and operating in ‘islanded’ mode under emergency conditions. Moreover, they can contribute to sustainability goals by incorporating renewable energy sources to the point of consumption—generally an area with a defined boundary, such as a residential district, a university or corporate campus, or a military base.
