MEDIA RELEASE : Alectra Utilities's Substation becomes Mohawk's new Energy and Power Utilities Lab

Renovations undertaken by Mohawk College at the substation saw the creation of new classrooms, a new meeting room and the replacement of analog equipment with Internet enabled technology.

More than 200 Engineering Technology students in nine electrical courses will gain hands-on experience with transformers, switchgear, industrial communications and power protection equipment. Mohawk will also offer customized workshops, training modules and certificate programs for community and industry partners.

The new lab is part of Mohawk’s Energy and Power Innovation Centre. Industry partners will work with students and faculty on applied research projects including:

• Testing modern protection and control schemes using digital relays and intelligent electronic devices
• Determining challenges with new communication protocols for multi-vendor interoperability and protection coordination
• Designing and operating a substation automation system

Also supporting the Energy and Power Utilities Lab are Omicron, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Schneider Electric, and Siemens. Mohawk’s partners have provided equipment and technology for training, demonstration, testing and research.

QUOTES:

“Alectra Utilities is proud to make this contribution to both the Electrical Engineering and Energy Systems Engineering Technology programs at Mohawk College. It is important to provide innovative training on future energy systems to electrical professionals that will work in our industry and community.” – Max Cananzi, President of Alectra Utilities

“This partnership between Alectra Utilities and Mohawk College means that today’s students will receive the training they need to take the high-value, high-paying jobs of the future in Hamilton’s growing energy sector. This will help to ensure Hamilton has a strong economy and increased prosperity for everyone.” – Mayor Fred Eisenberger

“Mohawk thanks our industry partners at Alectra Utilities, Omicron, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Schneider Electric, and Siemens for giving our students this unique learning environment. We also look forward to welcoming industry professionals to train in our new Energy and Power Utilities Lab.” – Ron McKerlie, President of Mohawk College

“Our new Energy and Power Utilities Lab will further strengthen our leadership in applied research by opening up new opportunities for our students and industry partners.” – Gina Funicelli, Dean Applied Research Mohawk College

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