May 22, 2014 – NB Power and the University of New Brunswick have partnered for wind energy research, which they say will help residents make better use of green energy.

“This partnership is resulting in one-of-a-kind research that will help further develop wind energy solutions for utilities around the world,” said NB Power president and CEO, Gaëtan Thomas. “It has already helped us better understand how to incorporate renewable energy onto our grid more effectively, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and furthering our goal of keeping our rates low and stable for customers.”

The project will allow heating and cooling systems at the WU Conference Centre on the university’s Fredericton campus to be powered by wind energy. The technology pilot is part of an international award-winning project led by NB Power called Powershift Atlantic. Launched in 2010 as part of the Government of Canada’s Clean Energy Fund, it is a collaborative research project led in partnership by NB Power, Natural Resources Canada, Saint John Energy, Maritime Electric, Nova Scotia Power, New Brunswick System Operator, the University of New Brunswick, the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Prince Edward Island.

The project also showcases wind forecasting research created by UNB’s Dr. Liuchen Chang, which claims to identify the best opportunities to use wind energy in homes and businesses.

“We’re extremely proud of the research Dr. Chang is contributing to this game-changing project and the innovative energy solutions NB Power is helping to create as a result,” said University of New Brunswick president, Eddy Campbell. “Projects like this help New Brunswick get recognized on an international stage, and opens the doors for future innovations to be created in our province.”

The research portion of the program is expected to wrap up in the fall after a full year of piloting this technology is complete. Once completed, NB Power says it will use this data to determine if a business case is possible to introduce new products and services to New Brunswickers that utilize wind power.