As energy systems across Canada continue to change, catalyzed by both technological advances and market transformations, the possibilities of using advanced information and communication technologies to identify beneficial synergies across diverse fuels and infrastructures similarly grow. With world-leading energy technology industries and a broad portfolio of energy resources, Canada seems to be uniquely positioned to explore – and to potentially benefit from – increased deployment of smart energy networks.
Smart Energy Networks (SENs) use advanced information and communication technology to monitor and manage the transport of energy from all fuel sources to meet the varying energy service demands of end users.
This event brought together about 75 leaders in government, utilities, business, civil society and academia to start the discussion about the potential role of integrated, multiple-fuel, and communicative systems in Canada’s energy future. More specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions: - What are ‘smart energy networks’? To what extent are they defined differently? What distinguishes them from other advanced, integrative elements of energy systems? - What are (and where are) examples of smart energy networks, both within Canada and internationally? What lessons should be learned from experiences to date? Where do SEN R&D roadmaps take us and what more do we need to know? - What are the potential advantages and disadvantages (and to whom) of increased deployment of smart energy networks in Canada? Do these differ across different ‘kinds’ of smart energy networks? Do these differ across different parts of Canada? - How should the Canadian agenda on smart energy networks move forward? Emerging from the Event, participants (and their respective constituencies) had greater understanding of smart energy networks: what they are (and what they are not), how they operate, their R&D status and how they might fit into their own respective industries and activities (as, perhaps, a ‘tool’ in their toolkit, or a ‘system’ into which they could fit) and how the Canadian discussion should continue. In short, where there was disparate, uneven and (at times) erroneous information in key Canadian leaders’ ‘in-boxes’ regarding smart energy networks, there will be a common, and sound, knowledge base.
Agenda
8:30-8:45 Welcome – context, agenda and goals for the day
Event Co-chairs (Ian Rowlands and/or Tracey Forrest)
8:45-9:30 Panel 1 – What are smart energy networks?
Dr. Ian Rowlands (brief opening presentation 5-7min, introduction of panellists, panellist presentations 5-7min each, moderated Q&A)
The purpose of this panel is to review the concept of ‘smart energy networks’, noting how they ‘link’ to other terms in use (e.g., ‘smart grids’) and how they are perceived in different parts of the world. Participants, when registering, will have been asked to contribute their own definition of ‘smart energy networks’ (amongst other information); this information will be used in developing the material.
9:30-9:45am Break
9:45-10:45 Panel 2 - The Value Proposition
Dr. Olaf Weber (Introduction of panellists, panellist presentations 5-7min each, moderated Q&A)
This panel will open with a presentation on the potential costs and benefits of smart energy networks. Our international guests will present international case studies with emphasis on the value proposition of smart energy networks. The case studies will reflect the integrative nature of SEN (incl. the convergence of multiple energy sources and ICT) where benefits, costs and risks have been quantified and/or qualified.
10:45-11:00am Break
11:00 – 12:00 Panel 3- Smart Convergence in a Regulated Environment
Dr. Catherine Rosenberg (brief opening remarks, introduces 2 presenters and moderates Q&A)
Analogies from other industries - challenges and opportunities associated with convergence/integration – discussed within the context of a regulated or deregulated environment. Implementation issues associated with smart energy networks à a discussion regarding the applicability to Canada. Thoughts/reflections/views from panellists about progress on issues related to SEN within the regulatory environment (topics may include whole energy systems perspective, ‘metrics’ by which regulators measure eligibility of expenditures, and CDM/DR program implementation)
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00pm Panel 4 – Smart Energy R,D&D Roadmaps
Eric Croiset (introduction of panellists, panellist presentations 5-7min each, moderated Q&A)
Discuss the status of SEN-related R&D, technology roadmaps, where they see potential and major barriers (panellists include major R&D investors/decision makers).
2:00pm – 2: 15pm Break
2:15pm – 4:00pm Panel 5 – Smart Energy Networks: Recap and Reflections
Paul Murphy (brief opening remarks, introduces panellists, each panellist provides 5-7min presentation/remarks, followed by Q&A)
Reactions from the panel on the day’s proceedings (based on questions, comments and reactions collected during the day from participants through audience responder systems, and/or sheets of paper). Panel remarks followed by informal discussion within small groups (tables), and key messages communicated with audience.