TECHNOLOGIES
Offering a Breadth of Technologies to Support Canada's Low-Carbon Economy
From remote to onsite generation, our team helps our partners participate in Canada’s clean energy evolution at a scale that fits their organization’s or community’s objectives. Likewise, our development expertise across hydro, wind, solar and storage technologies enables us to create renewable energy solutions that meet our partners’ energy requirements. Using this approach, we can support their carbon reduction ambitions, big or small.
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Hydropower OVERVIEW
Hydropower is clean and reliable renewable energy source that generates 63% of Canada’s electricity, making our country the second largest producer in the world. Hydropower facilities can be either run-of-river, where generation is dependent on surplus river flow, or equipped with a storage reservoir, enabling operators to control generation based on demand.
Generation
Reservoir:PeakingRun-of-River:BaseloadLifespan
PerpetualRESOURCE BENEFITS
Small- to large-scale output that balances intermittent generation:
- Reservoir: Flexible and dispatchable output
- Run-of-River: 24/7 production (as available)
Information from the National Energy Board of Canada and WaterPower Canada
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Wind OVERVIEW
Wind power is the second most prevalent source of renewable generation in Canada. Designed to last 25+ years, wind facilities can be “repowered” by replacing older components with newer technologies to extend their useful life for two more decades.
Generation
IntermittentLifespan
25+ yearsRESOURCE BENEFITS
- High output and little acreage required compared to other technologies
- Broad geographic application
Information from the National Energy Board of Canada
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Solar OVERVIEW
Solar power is a small, but rapidly growing source of electricity in Canada, with close to 2,000 MW of capacity added since 2013. Over 98% of Canada’s solar power generation capacity is located in Ontario, with significant growth expected in other provinces in the coming years.
Generation
IntermittentLifespan
25+ yearsRESOURCE BENEFITS
Broad application, both in geography and scale
- Distributed generation: On-site
- Utility-scale: Remote
Information from the National Energy Board of Canada
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Storage Storage technologies enable intermittent generation to be stored, either seasonally or hourly, and can be used to offer grid stabilization.
BATTERY OVERVIEW
As an emerging technology, battery storage is being progressively tested in commercial applications in Canada.
Generation
FlexibleLifespan
20 yearsRESOURCE BENEFITS
Reliable, balances intermittent generation
- Battery: Small scale
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Low-carbon Hydrogen OVERVIEW
Hydrogen is an important component of Canada’s carbon-emissions reduction commitment. The blending of green (zero emissions or low carbon) hydrogen into natural gas streams is one way of reducing our carbon emissions.
Green hydrogen utilizes renewable electricity in the electrolysis process (passing an electric current through water) to separate and extract hydrogen molecules from water. Unlike other forms of hydrogen creation, it is considered ‘green’ because of the renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind or hydropower, used to produce it.
Generation
FlexibleLifespan
25+ yearsRESOURCE BENEFITS
- Flexible and dispatchable output
Development Capabilities
Building a Low-Carbon Future One Project at a Time
For over 20 years, we’ve been developing, building and optimizing hydro and wind projects, bringing renewable energy to communities across Canada. Reflecting the demand of the changing energy landscape, Evolugen complements these traditional renewable sources with solar, low-carbon hydrogen and storage technologies. Our solid development expertise makes us the partner of choice to advise our clients on project designs that meet their financial and sustainability objectives while effectively addressing their evolving renewable energy needs. In doing so, our clients shifting their energy supply towards clean, renewable energy, one project at a time.
Rachel Vanasse, P.ENG
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
In developing new projects, we consider several aspects, including project design, environmental protection and community interests, to establish our strategy. In addition to staying abreast of the latest technological developments, we conduct engineering and interconnection studies to optimize project design while maximizing generation. We also look to protect the natural environment surrounding our facilities by performing studies and obtaining regulatory permits, and when possible, engaging local companies to assist with the development of the project.
Broader team
The People Bringing Our Vision to Life
Michel Archambault
Vice-President, Hydrogen & Clean Fuels
Michel leads hydrogen and clean fuels’ project pipeline, offering our customers and partners with decarbonization solutions. His 20 years’ experience in the hydrogen sector, coupled with his passion for the hydrogen industry will help Evolugen advance Canada’s low-carbon future.
Kelly Withers
Compliance & Licensing – Sault Ste. Marie, ON
In managing operational compliance for Ontario and Quebec, I have the opportunity to support local projects that protect the environment. Through some of these initiatives, I work with researchers, scientists and regulators to better understand how our operations interact with the environment, enabling us to mitigate or eliminate our environmental impact through well-informed decisions.
Harvin Narayan
Operations – Powell River, BC
As part of the Operations team, I oversee all operations and maintenance work on our hydro stations in British Columbia, promoting our strong health and safety culture in every aspect of our work. In our daily management, my team and I look to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the lakes and river systems affected by our operations, and take pride in caring for facilities that have been part of the local community for almost a century.
IN PRACTICE
Prince Wind Project
The Prince wind project was our first wind development, as well as the first commercial wind farm in Northern Ontario. When it began operation in November 2006, it was also Canada’s largest wind farm.
Development Highlights
PROJECT EXECUTION
Construction started in September 2005 and was completed just 15 months later in November 2006.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Before construction began, we conducted extensive field surveys and environmental assessments to ensure the protection, conservation and prudent management of the natural, socio-economic and physical environment surrounding our facility.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
We collaborated with local First Nations to perform archaeological studies to identify and preserve areas of significance to the community.
Positive Outcomes
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS
In the planning phase, the project involved seven local suppliers, such as forestry and mapping consultants, civil engineers, and cultural and archaeological experts. Throughout construction, 38 local companies participated in executing the project, contributing to the region’s local economy. At peak construction, the project employed more than 300 individuals, including contractors and sub-contractors.
SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Upon completion, we partnered with Sault College to enhance their energy training programs. For several years, an on-campus Training Centre contained instructional space that provided students with access to upgraded vocational labs and shops, and served as home to courses relating to wind energy.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Upon completion, local First Nations participated in the opening ceremony of the wind farm, highlighting our collaboration in sustainably developing this project. After completion, our collaboration continued by allowing them access to the site for cultural events and rituals.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Today, we continue to ensure that our Prince wind farm operates as sustainably as the clean power it generates. We continue to welcome the Laurentian University to the wind farm to conduct studies on reptile and amphibian biodiversity, providing site access, prior data, staff support, materials and safety training to assist their research.
IN PRACTICE
Gosfield & Comber Wind Projects
Closely located, the Gosfield (51 MW) and Comber (166 MW) wind projects were developed in tandem, leveraging economies of scale. At time of commissioning, they represented the largest wind facility in Canada.
Development Highlights
PROJECT EXECUTION
Construction and project delivery were completed on time and significantly under budget. We adopted a strategic approach to securing energy off-take agreements and transmission access rights by leveraging our intimate understanding of the procurement process and the grid, despite intense competition.
HEALTH & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
We closely monitored and coached job safety planning and job hazard analysis, and revised our contractors’ work procedures.
SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
We created opportunities to engage the public in the planning and development stages, which included opening an office in Cottam, ON that serve as an open-house for residents to ask questions, participating in town hall meetings, and dialogue with local municipal leaders during town council meetings. To keep the community up to date on the project’s progress, we periodically mailed informational sheets to residents periodically.
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
During development, we sought to maximize procurement opportunities for local businesses with a majority of project materials purchased from local suppliers, and construction workforce coming from local communities. In addition, the projects created 300 temporary jobs, and 15 permanent local jobs for ongoing operations and maintenance.
Positive Outcomes
SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
After the development of the project, we sought to positively contribute to the local community by supporting a variety of organizations, including the Essex Region Conservation Authority, the Essex County Library and the Comber Agricultural Society. We also led guest presentations on wind energy to grade school and high school students.
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS
Each year, the farmers and landowners that host the Gosfield and Comber wind turbines receive lease payments. In addition, the towns of Kingsville and Lakeshore obtain annual tax payments and various community well-being contributions.
OPERATIONAL FOCUS
Operators of Renewable Energy Facilities
As owners and operators, our teams expertly operate our renewable energy facilities to maximize efficiencies through our system control center as well as maintain them to ensure energy is safely produced.
Safety First
Across our operations, we prioritize the health and safety of our employees and communities, which is reinforced through our Public Safety Program and our Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSS&E) Program. These two programs enable our highly trained professionals to safely operate the facilities that generate our communities’ renewable energy while protecting the public.
Sustainability Today & Tomorrow
We believe that properly managing and investing in our operating facilities is paramount to sustainably generating renewable energy as outlined in our Sustainability Report. In taking care of existing renewable facilities, we ensure that they continue to efficiently generate clean energy for years to come, making full use of their potential.
Financial Strength
The Expertise and Capital to Secure a Sustainable Future
Evolugen has expertise in financial and capital markets, enabling us to effectively structure and secure investments for both small- and large-scale development projects across the country. Our established, robust financial position, backed by our affiliation with our parent company Brookfield Renewable, assures our clients that we’re a reliable, long-term partner who is able to deliver on the solutions we offer.
