ReThink Red Deer

Congrats Red Deer Polytechnic - SO COOL!

"Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to advance Alberta’s leadership in energy innovation following a $1,245,000 announcement today from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). This federal applied research grant will support the creation of a 125kW agrivoltaics demonstration unit."

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to advance Alberta’s leadership in energy innovation following a $1,245,000 announcement today from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

This federal applied research grant will support the creation of a 125kW agrivoltaics demonstration unit.

RDP’s Energy Innovation Centre will explore the dual use of land and solar photovoltaic technology for active crop cultivation to maximize land efficiency and act as a balance between energy generation and food production. Located on the south part of RDP’s main campus, the outdoor site will feature bi-facial solar panels and advanced tracking systems designed to optimize energy generation while maintaining agricultural productivity, even in cold climates!

Quick Facts:

✔ In 5 years, RDP aims to train 1,000 individuals—including RDP students, industry partners and community members—through hands-on learning opportunities, field trips and the development of a new micro-credential in agrivoltaics.

✔Through open-source, real-time data collection with RDP’s Data Sharing Alliance (DSA) platform, sensors will analyze energy production, soil moisture, and crop health. This information will provide farmers and policymakers with actionable insights.

✔ Nextpower will provide their NX Horizon smart solar tracker.

✔ CBI Solar will supply a high-quality solar component to make this dual-use system a reality.

✔ Sunchild and Montana First Nations will participate as collaborators to help support the energy independence and food autonomy for rural and Indigenous populations.

Read the full news release here: rdpolytech.ca/news/rdp-receives-124m-federal-grant-cold-climate-agrivoltaics

We’re celebrating TEN nominees at the 2026 Energy Innovation Fair’s Green Gala Awards! From entrepreneurs to community organizations and small-medium enterprise, their efforts are driving energy innovation and sustainability in Alberta.
✨ **Award Categories:**
- Entrepreneur (less than 5 employees)
- Small-Medium Enterprise (5 or more employees)
- Community Leader (Individual, Group, or Government)
The nominees are:
Entrepreneur:
- Borren Builders
Small-Medium Enterprise:
- Empower Me
- Evolv Solar
- Newo Global Energy
- Vleeming Custom Homes
Community Leader:
- ENBIX
- Lacombe Composite High School
- Michael Versteege
- Red Deer Food Bank
- Weayaya Solar Powered Music Festival
📅 **Event Date:** Wednesday, February 25, 5:15 – 7 PM
📍 **Location:** Red Deer Polytechnic, Alternative Energy Innovation Lab
Get your tickets now! 🎟️
https://rdptickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2260&p=1

Proceeds support the Energy Innovation Fair and future Green Gala Awards.

Energy Innovation Fair | Red Deer Polytechnic Turning Innovation into ImpactJoin us on Wednesday, February 25 for an inside look at Alberta’s evolving energy landscape; where industry leaders, entrepreneurs, municipalities, researchers, businesses and citizens come together to accelerate energy solutions.

A big thanks to the Energy Innovation Fair event sponsors, as well as our event partner ReThink Red Deer!

We are grateful for the invaluable contribution of these organizations who are helping to bridge the gap between emerging energy concepts and real-world implementation. Your support helps highlight Alberta’s position as a hub of innovation and strengthens Alberta’s energy transition. Thank you for being an important part of this journey.

Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network – CARIN

The City of Red Deer

FortisAlberta

Johnson Controls

Red Deer County

Town of Innisfail

Tickets are still available for this event on our website: rdpolytech.ca/events/energy-innovation-fair

Turning Innovation into Impact - Energy Innovation Fair 2026

Join us on Wednesday, February 25 for an inside look at Alberta’s evolving energy landscape; where industry leaders, entrepreneurs, municipalities, researchers, businesses and citizens come together to accelerate energy solutions. Full event details here - https://rdpolytech.ca/events/energy-innovation-fair

About the Energy Innovation Fair:

Alberta stands at the epicentre of global energy expansion, not just as a resource powerhouse but as a hub of innovation. This conference is about catalyzing collaboration across sectors, connecting industry leaders, entrepreneurs, municipalities, researchers, businesses and engaged citizens to accelerate the development, commercialization and adoption of creative energy solutions.

It’s about leveraging Alberta’s deep expertise in oil and gas to lead in emerging areas like carbon capture and utilization, renewable energy technology, circular economy and digital technologies. It’s about upskilling our workforce to succeed in a thriving energy landscape. And it’s about building the connections that turn ideas into investment and innovation into impact.

Alberta is not just participating in the energy transition - we’re leading it with a commitment to innovation, diversification and a strong, sustainable energy future.

Tomorrow! 1pm & 3pm