Dr. Shawn Qu

LG Energy Solution and Stellantis' joint venture (JV), NextStar Energy, Canada’s first large-scale lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery manufacturing plant, is expanding to produce energy storage system (ESS) batteries. #energystorage

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Recently, ELITE Grid Research Lab and our Lab Director Yunwei Ryan Li hosted the plenary panel “𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱, 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗔𝗜, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗠𝗥𝘀.” As Alberta’s energy system evolves, growing complexity is emerging—driven by increased renewable integration, rising electricity demand (including data centers), and new options for firm, low-carbon supply. This workshop brought together diverse perspectives to discuss practical pathways toward a 𝗿𝗼𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 grid for Alberta. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: • 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗱 amid rapid technological change • 𝗔𝗜’𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲: managing data-center demand growth while enabling improved forecasting, stability, and system optimization • 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗠𝗥𝘀 in supporting long-term reliability for a decarbonizing energy system Big thanks to our moderator and panelists from 𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛, 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻, 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, and the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻, as well as our partners 𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦, 𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗘, 𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗘 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 (𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗦), and 𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗘 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀. 📸 Photos from the event below! IEEE IEEE Power Electronics Society IEEE Young Professionals University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta Alberta Innovates, City of Edmonton, The University of Texas at Arlington, Hatch #ResilientandCleanEnergySystems(RCES) Patrick B. Wei-Jen Lee Robert (Rob) Baker Jeanie Chin Yunwei Ryan Li Petr Musilek Kamila Moquin Bowei Li Pasan Gunawardena Xiaoting Wang Zizhao (Finn) Wang Rui Liu Yuzhuo Li

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"In the medium- to long-term, copper processes will inevitably become the standard for BC solar cells and module products," predicts AIKO Energy chief scientist Yongqian Wang. We speak to AIKO Energy about its research into replacing silver with copper in its cells, and ask if this could be the future of the solar industry. What other "inevitable" material transitions are we not paying enough attention to? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you're interested in the full story, check out our exclusive interview: https://lnkd.in/em49Fc_2 #SolarInnovation #CleanTech #EnergyTransition

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Copper is on the rise. At AIKO, we believe that copper interconnection is poised to become the new standard for BC solar cells, delivering higher conductivity, durability, and scalability for the industry. ⚡ Thank you to PV Tech for conducting an in-depth interview with our Chief Scientist, Dr. Yongqian Wang, who shares why this shift from silver to copper is not only possible but inevitable. What other material transitions do you see shaping the future of solar? Join the conversation below. 🔗 Learn more from: https://lnkd.in/em49Fc_2 #AIKOEnergy #CopperInterconnection #SolarInnovation #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy

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TOPBiHiKu7 CS7N-TB-AG for C&I & Utility Projects - Highest Power output with competitive prices from Canadian Solar’s proven manufacturing expertise As a pioneer in large-format module manufacturing since 2021, Canadian Solar brings deep expertise in producing high output powers in mechanically robust large format modules that meet the rigorous demands of utility-scale and large C&I installations. Our advanced production capabilities allow us to offer high-quality large format modules at competitive pricing, making the TOPBiHiKu7 CS7N-TB-AG a cost-effective choice for Utility and large C&I projects. To support handling and streamline labor costs, Canadian Solar also provides complementary unpacking racks for safe and efficient module offloading of the TOPBiHiKu7 CS7N-TB-AG on site. Watch this video to get insight into our automated Topcon manufacturing process https://lnkd.in/gDNc3Aq3 With optimal compatibility and streamlined installation, Canadian Solar provides solar modules, inverters, and energy storage systems - all from one manufacturer. Whether you're working on residential, commercial & industrial (C&I), or utility-scale projects, our wide portfolio simplifies procurement and system design. Full offering under: www.csisolar.com/emea #CanadianSolarEMEA #SolarModules #CanadianSolarInverter #EnergyStorage #UtilityScale

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☀️ 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳 ☀️ Canadian Solar Inc.’s Q1 2025 profit plunged 91.8% year-over-year to $6.58 million on weaker margins, despite a 9.4% rise in module shipments. e-STORAGE (Canadian Solar’s energy storage unit) hit a record 𝟵𝟭 𝗚𝗪𝗵 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗴 ($𝟯.𝟮 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻), while Recurrent Energy (its energy development unit) reached a pipeline of 27 GW solar and 76 GWh storage. China Energy Engineering Group Co. Ltd. (CEEC) gets green light to raise up to CNY 15 billion via A-share issuance for major energy projects. The CMRA (China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Recycling Metal Branch) (CNMIA) reports falling silicon and wafer prices amid weak demand and low utilization. Read more through the article in the comments 👇 #Photovoltaics #EnergyStorage #RenewableEnergy

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Solaires Enterprises, a Canadian perovskite startup, has begun supplying indoor PV modules for integration into sensor devices, marking its first commercial shipment. #SolarEnergy #USEnergy #EnergyStorage

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🎬 What’s ahead for battery builds and Ancillary Services in Alberta? Last month, our team explored the evolving role of battery storage in Alberta’s power market. In this clip, Dante Orta, PhD discusses where ancillary market growth is expected and why 2-hour batteries may be an attractive size for Alberta’s future grid. ➡️ Access the full webinar report here: https://lnkd.in/gg9y-Jkc Want to dig deeper into Alberta’s energy storage outlook? Contact Leonardo Bucello for more insights.

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Energy Storage Canada, in collaboration with the expert team at the Energy Safety Response Group (ESRG), is proud to launch a first-of-its-kind educational FAQ guide on Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) safety. As energy storage continues to scale across Canada, questions around safety are not just valid, they’re vital. That’s why we’ve created a clear, credible, and accessible resource to support informed conversations among policymakers, municipalities, emergency responders, and the public. This FAQ guide tackles the most common questions we hear: - What is the risk of thermal runaway? - Are there reliable methods to extinguish a BESS-related fire? - Can BESS installations affect property values nearby? We’re proud to lead this work on behalf of Canada’s energy storage sector—because transparency, safety, and public trust are essential to building the grid of the future. #energystorage

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Hokkaido Electric Power to Begin Perovskite Solar Cell Field Testing in August Hokkaido Electric Power Company announced on August 6 that it will begin field testing of thin, flexible "perovskite solar cells" starting in August. The company will collaborate with major leasing firm Mitsubishi HC Capital and Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd's portfolio company, Enecoat Technologies (Kumiyama, Kyoto Prefecture) on the project. The initiative aims to verify the practical applicability of perovskite technology in snowy, cold climates. The demonstration period will last approximately one year, though the project costs have not been disclosed. The testing will utilize perovskite solar cells developed by Enecoat Technologies. Hokkaido Electric will handle installation work and analysis of test data. The utility will conduct power generation tests in environments set to minus 25 degrees Celsius at Hokkaido Electric's research institute, as well as install perovskite panels on the windows and exterior walls of experimental housing. Following the demonstration, the company plans to explore whether perovskite technology can be deployed through power purchase agreements (PPAs) and other arrangements for direct electricity sales to customers. 北海道電力、ペロブスカイト実証　三菱HCキャピタルなどと共同で 北海道電力は6日、薄くて曲がる「ペロブスカイト太陽電池」の実証を8月から始めると発表した。リース大手の三菱HCキャピタルと、京都iCAP投資先のエネコートテクノロジーズ（京都府久御山町）と共同で取り組む。積雪寒冷地でのペロブスカイトの実用性を検証する。 実証期間は約1年間で、実証にかかる事業費は公表していない。エネコートテクノロジーズのペロブスカイトを使う。北電は設置工事や試験データの分析を担う。 北電の総合研究所でマイナス25度に設定した環境下で発電させたり、実験住宅の窓や外壁にペロブスカイトを設置したりする。実証後は将来的にペロブスカイトを活用し、需要家に直接電力を販売するPPA（電力購入契約）などで導入できるか検討するという。 https://lnkd.in/gr2YyDtc

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From lab to greenhouse 🌱 Kayes Reza (MASc ’24) is applying cutting-edge research from UWindsor’s Turbulence and Energy Lab to real-world sustainability challenges at Under Sun Acres, a high-tech Leamington greenhouse. 💡🥗 As a cogeneration and heating system operator, he’s helping reduce emissions and optimize energy use through innovative systems that blend heat, power, and carbon reuse. This is how UWindsor grads are shaping a more sustainable future. 🌍 Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wYkrk

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Development finance is sending a clear signal in Southeast Asia. FinDev Canada committed US$50M to Gulf Renewable Energy, supporting solar projects in Suphanburi and Phetchaburi. Two solar plants paired with battery storage. One additional solar project. This is part of a US$350M syndicated facility led by Asian Development Bank, with Export Finance Australia and DEG alongside. That structure matters. It shows institutional alignment around grid resilience. Solar becomes more than generation when battery storage sits beside it. Reliability becomes the product. Blended capital is becoming the growth engine. DFIs, MDBs, ECAs, and banks are co-financing platforms with the right structures. Battery storage is moving into the center of the thesis. Grid stability now attracts capital as much as megawatts. Policy clarity pulls money into motion. Targets and regulation create the demand curve investors trust. Transition projects create real economic spillover. Jobs, supply chains, and local capability build alongside capacity. Financing frameworks are evolving too. Inclusion and reporting standards now sit inside credit decisions. These projects are expected to generate roughly 480 GWh annually and avoid nearly 191,500 tons of emissions per year. Capital is available for operators who combine scale, governance, and execution discipline. Are you positioned for blended institutional capital, or limited to traditional project finance? #RenewableEnergy #SoutheastAsia #Thailand #EnergyTransition #Infrastructure

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