Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is set to advance Alberta's leadership in energy innovation and sustainable agriculture following a $1,245,000 funding announcement on March 27 from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). This applied research grant, delivered through NRCan's Energy Innovation Program (EIP), supports the creation of a pioneering 125 kW agrivoltaics demonstration unit as part of RDP's Energy Innovation Centre (EIC).
The project, titled "Pioneering & Advancing Red Deer Polytechnic's Data Sharing Alliance (DSA) in Agrivoltaics," explores the dual use of land by integrating solar photovoltaic technology with active crop cultivation. Located on the south part of RDP's main campus, the outdoor site will feature bi-facial solar panels and advanced tracking systems designed to optimize energy generation while maintaining agricultural productivity in cold climates.
"The Agrivoltaics demonstration unit at Red Deer Polytechnic combines renewable energy generation with agricultural productivity, addressing the dual challenges of reliable, consistent clean energy and food security," says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Applied Research at RDP. "This approach maximizes land efficiency, reduces carbon emissions and enhances yields, offering both economic and environmental benefits. The site will not only validate the balance between energy generation and food production but also support commercialization of technologies that support the agrivoltaics industry."
The installation will become part of RDP's Campus Energy Living Lab, supporting applied research while helping prepare the next generation of energy and agricultural professionals. Over the next five years, RDP aims to train 1,000 individuals -- including RDP students, industry partners and community members -- through hands-on learning opportunities, field trips and the development of a new micro- credential in agrivoltaics.
Performance data will be collected and shared through RDP's Data Sharing Alliance (DSA) platform, a real-time open-source tool that already aggregates data from eight solar sites across Alberta. The DSA will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors to analyze real-time data on energy production, soil moisture and crop health. This open-source platform will provide farmers and policymakers with the actionable insights needed to de-risk agrivoltaics adoption across Canada.
The site will showcase a 125 kW agrivoltaic system integrated with a 192 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS), enhanced by hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) automation. Strategic partnerships with industry leaders Nextpower and CBI Solar ensure that the project will address stakeholder needs.
"CBI Solar is committed to supplying and installing a high-quality solar component required to make this dual-use system a reality," adds Colin Watts, President/CEO, CBI Solar, one of RDP's industry partners with this project. "By combining solar production with agricultural practices, this project showcases the future of innovation in both sectors and contributes directly to Alberta's economic growth."
In alignment with RDP's commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and inclusion, the project includes meaningful partnerships with Sunchild and Montana First Nations. These communities will participate as collaborators and advisors, ensuring that the project supports energy independence and food autonomy for rural and Indigenous populations.
"Canada is scaling up clean energy while strengthening our electricity grid and responsibly growing our conventional energy industry -- because competitiveness means doing more than one thing at the same time," says the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. "We are investing to provide reliable, affordable and clean power across the country that will propel our economic growth, protect affordability for Canadian families and make Canada a low-risk, low-cost, low-carbon energy superpower."
More information about RDP's research and innovation, including research areas and the Energy Innovation Centre, is available at: rdpolytech.ca/innovation.
