Power System Impact Study of the Old Crow Sree Vyàa (Solar Project)

The Old Crow Sree Vyàa is a solar photovoltaic project that is owned and operated by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in the fly-in community of Old Crow, Yukon. Many unique challenges needed to be overcome for its successful implementation, as it is the first of its kind in the north. This presentation will discuss and provide insights on the evolution of the Old Crow Solar Project from Front End Engineering Design to implementation and commissioning. While YukonU’s Northern Energy Innovation research team’s involvement was from a technical standpoint (assessing the stability and reliability of integrating renewable generation on isolated power systems), this presentation will also detail some of the holistic aspects of advancing the solar project in partnership with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, and will provide insights into the unique context of northern electric power system projects. 

 

Dr. Michael Ross is the Industrial Research Chair in Northern Energy Innovation at Yukon University. His applied research program is governed and directed by the CEOs and managers of the electric power utilities in the Yukon and Northwest Territories and in partnership with northern communities and Indigenous governments to help address their energy needs. The priority engineering research areas focus on integrating a high penetration of renewable generation in remote communities, diesel efficiencies, demand-side management, smart grids and microgrids. Dr. Ross received his Master’s and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at McGill University, focusing on microgrid control and multi-objective optimization, and his Bachelor’s of Applied Science at the University of Toronto focusing on electric power systems. He was an author, contributor, and convenor to the international CIGRÉ working groups on “Microgrids”, “Hybrid Systems for Off-grid Power Supply”, “Rural Electrification”, and “Distribution Customer Empowerment”, and is the Canadian representative for the Study Committee C6 on “Active Distribution Systems and Distributed Energy Resources”. Dr. Ross is a registered Professional Engineer with Engineers Yukon, a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of Alaska, a certified Project Management Professional, the OG in Northern Power Research, a board member on the IEEE Northern Canada Section, a member of CIGRÉ Canada, and is an electrician apprentice.