Edmundston’s New Microgrid Aims to Boost Renewable Energy and Local Economy

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The City of Edmundston has launched the SOLSTICE microgrid project, a renewable energy initiative developed in partnership with Ameresco, Inc. and Edmundston Energy. As the largest rooftop solar installation in Atlantic Canada, SOLSTICE will provide sustainable, reliable power to the city, reduce its carbon footprint, and support local economic development. This $8 million project integrates a 1 MW solar capacity with a 2 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance grid resilience and meet peak energy demands.

Project Overview and Environmental Impact

The SOLSTICE microgrid, installed on the roofs of the Jean-Daigle Centre and Sports Pavilion, will help the City of Edmundston achieve key targets outlined in its 2024-2028 Environmental Action Plan. With construction already underway, the project is designed to offset approximately 360 metric tons of CO₂ annually, contributing to the city’s emissions reduction goals. This move aligns with global trends where cities increasingly use renewable energy solutions to reduce their carbon footprints. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy accounted for 38% of global power generation in 2023, and projects like SOLSTICE support this growing shift toward cleaner energy sources.

The microgrid’s primary function is to provide reliable, clean power and backup energy for critical infrastructure such as the Sports Pavilion, which serves as an emergency response center. The combination of solar power and energy storage ensures the city can manage energy demand, particularly during peak periods or outages, making it a valuable addition to the grid.

Economic and Community Benefits

The SOLSTICE project is expected to provide substantial local economic benefits. As of 2024, renewable energy employment in Canada has increased, with an estimated 300,000 jobs in the clean energy sector (Canadian Renewable Energy Association, 2024). The SOLSTICE microgrid directly contributes to this growth, creating jobs during the installation phase and building expertise within the community. Local entrepreneurs and contractors have carried out the work, and students from institutions such as Cité-des-jeunes A.-M.-Sormany and UMCE will gain hands-on experience in the renewable energy field.

Kevin Kilfoil, Coordinator of Transmission and Distribution for Edmundston Energy, emphasized the local impact: “Work began earlier this year to ensure the Jean-Daigle Centre and Sports Pavilion roofs were reinforced to install the panels. Work is also being carried out in the Jean-Daigle Centre parking lot to allow the installation of the battery energy storage system.”

Enhancing Grid Resilience and Reducing Reliance on Traditional Power Sources

The SOLSTICE microgrid is designed to enhance grid resilience, a critical issue as many communities face increasing energy demand and the need for backup power. The combination of rooftop solar panels and battery storage provides a reliable energy source even during outages, a growing concern as extreme weather events, including storms and heatwaves, impact grid stability.

Ameresco’s work in microgrid projects across North America, including in Ontario and Alberta, has highlighted the effectiveness of solar and storage solutions in strengthening grid infrastructure. President of Ameresco Canada, Bob McCullough, remarked, “The SOLSTICE project demonstrates how critical solar and battery energy storage solutions are for strengthening grid resilience and advancing clean energy.” With SOLSTICE, the City of Edmundston will reduce its dependence on traditional power sources while managing peak energy demand more effectively.

Once fully operational in the summer of 2025, the microgrid will provide a scalable example for other regions in the Atlantic and beyond. For more updates on the SOLSTICE project, residents can visit the Edmundston Energy section of the city’s website.

Environment + Energy Leader