03/27/2026
Congrats Red Deer Polytechnic - SO COOL!
"Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to advance Alberta’s leadership in energy innovation following a $1,245,000 announcement today from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). This federal applied research grant will support the creation of a 125kW agrivoltaics demonstration unit."
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to advance Alberta’s leadership in energy innovation following a $1,245,000 announcement today from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
This federal applied research grant will support the creation of a 125kW agrivoltaics demonstration unit.
RDP’s Energy Innovation Centre will explore the dual use of land and solar photovoltaic technology for active crop cultivation to maximize land efficiency and act as a balance between energy generation and food production. 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, even in cold climates!
Quick Facts:
✔ In 5 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.
✔Through open-source, real-time data collection with RDP’s Data Sharing Alliance (DSA) platform, sensors will analyze energy production, soil moisture, and crop health. This information will provide farmers and policymakers with actionable insights.
✔ Nextpower will provide their NX Horizon smart solar tracker.
✔ CBI Solar will supply a high-quality solar component to make this dual-use system a reality.
✔ Sunchild and Montana First Nations will participate as collaborators to help support the energy independence and food autonomy for rural and Indigenous populations.
Read the full news release here: rdpolytech.ca/news/rdp-receives-124m-federal-grant-cold-climate-agrivoltaics
