Red Deer Polytechnic Receives $1.24 Million Grant for Agrivoltaics Demonstration Unit

Red Deer Polytechnic has secured a $1.24 million grant from Natural Resources Canada's Energy Innovation Program to develop a 125 kW agrivoltaics demonstration unit. This project aims to integrate solar energy generation with agricultural productivity, enhancing land efficiency and supporting food security. The initiative will also train 1,000 individuals over five years and utilize AI to analyze data on energy production and crop health.

Published Mar 29, 2026

Red Deer Polytechnic has been awarded a $1.24 million grant from Natural Resources Canada's Energy Innovation Program to create a 125 kW agrivoltaics demonstration unit. This unit will combine solar energy generation with active crop cultivation, addressing clean energy and food security.

AI-curated by Theia

The project will take place on RDP's campus, featuring bi-facial solar panels and advanced tracking systems. Over five years, RDP plans to train 1,000 participants and will implement an open-source Data Sharing Alliance platform to provide real-time analytics on energy production and crop health. The project includes a battery storage system and partnerships with Nextpower and CBI Solar.