The University of Victoria will lead a national, multi-partner research initiative to help Canada reach net zero — one community at a time — thanks to an $83.6-million investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF).
Funding for Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) will support the work of more than 40 partners from academia, First Nations, private, public and philanthropic organizations. It is a “game-changing,” community-centric model that will place Canada at the forefront of the clean energy transition, says Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic’s vice-president, research and innovation.
SIPP is one of 40 partners participating in ACET, which aims to harness local knowledge and enthusiasm to implement place-based, low-carbon energy solutions with communities. Two demonstration projects are already underway on Nootka Island and West Thurlow Island near the coast of Campbell River. ACET’s efforts will expand to include new partner communities and projects starting in fall 2023.
ACET is led by UVic’s Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, in collaboration with Royal Roads University, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, the University of British Columbia and Yukon University.