RDP Celebrates RBC Foundation Donation to Advance Energy Innovation
Representatives from Red Deer Polytechnic and RBC celebrated RBC Foundation’s $600,000 donation to advance energy innovation at the post-secondary institution (left-right): Akshun Chauhan (Computer Programming Diploma alum and intern at Energy Innovation Centre, Red Deer Polytechnic); Stuart Cullum (President, Red Deer Polytechnic); Kirk Muise (RBC Regional President, Alberta & Territories); and Dr. Tonya Wolfe (Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic)
The future of energy innovation at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is brighter thanks to a generous $600,000 donation from RBC Foundation to establish the Energy Test Hub. Housed in the Energy Innovation Centre, the new Energy Test Hub features a flexible microgrid for testing and validating emerging technologies, including solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, wind generation and battery storage systems.
“Energy Innovation is a key area of focus for Red Deer Polytechnic. Through our Energy Innovation Centre, we are working with industry partners, RDP students, faculty and researchers to develop, adopt and implement new technologies and processes that are economically and environmentally beneficial,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, at Red Deer Polytechnic. “Thanks to RBC Foundation’s donation, we will be able to expand our capacity to lead energy innovation applied research, education and training at RDP and contribute to Alberta’s productivity.”
“As the country transitions towards a net-zero economy, developing green skills is becoming increasingly important,” says Kirk Muise, RBC Regional President, Alberta & Territories. “The Energy Test Hub will be critical to helping RDP students succeed in the hundreds of thousands of new jobs predicted to be added in these fields.”
The Energy Test Hub will provide enhanced training opportunities for students in various programs, including skilled trades and engineering. With RBC Foundation’s donation, the Polytechnic anticipates that during the next five years, 2,500 students and 100 industry partners will collaborate within the Energy Test Hub to advance energy innovation through education, training, work-integrated learning and applied research, filling a vital need in Alberta.
“When I first started my studies in computer programming, I never imagined that I’d find myself working in power systems, energy, and development,” shares Akshun Chauhan, Computer Programming Diploma alum at RDP who now works as an intern within the Energy Innovation Centre. “Working with industry partners on applied research projects here at RDP has not only strengthened my technical abilities but has also helped me build a professional network and given me the confidence to pursue a future in energy and innovation.”
In recognition of RBC Foundation’s donation to the Polytechnic, the RBC Solar Walkway was named. This existing structure provides a solar panel covered walking path between the main building and Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on RDP’s main campus.
RDP aims to be a Net Zero Energy campus by 2031 and a Net Zero Carbon campus by 2041. Investments in energy innovation by partner organizations, such as RBC Foundation, help support these goals. With almost 4,200 photovoltaic solar panels installed across its main campus, a Combined Heat and Power Unit, an Energy Innovation Centre and now the creation of an Energy Test Hub, RDP is making good progress towards achieving its energy innovation goals, while also enhancing practical learning opportunities and advancing applied research that sparks innovation, impacting communities across Alberta and Canada.
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