Centennial Energy Institute

Welcome

Centennial College’s School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science – a leader in the provision of applied training in Canada – is illuminating the path to Ontario’s energy future. Through Centennial Energy Institute (CEI) we are providing the critical job skills for the new energy economy, and providing clarity to those seeking to implement modern energy technology.

The CEI engages the energy sector in the following areas: the development of educational and training programs within Centennial; the development of external training programs, courses and workshops for the professional and general public; the development of events for sharing and disseminating knowledge; and applied research. More on what CEI does...

Centennial College is receiving $525,000 from the federal government, from FedDev Ontario’s Research and Commercialization Initiative, to conduct research and development, including new-technology assessments and product testing, in partnership with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in southern Ontario.  

Centennial's Applied Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC) will receive the funding over a two-year period to support applied research in the areas of energy and sustainable development, digital gaming and animation, and wireless networking and services. A total of 10 industry-driven projects will be completed.  The Centennial Energy Institute worked with ARIC on the application for the funding, and will work with ARIC in developing a number of collaborative projects between SMEs and Centennial College, in the sustainable energy sector.

To learn more, contact Centennial College's Applied Research and Innovation Centre at 416-289-5000, ext. 8056, or visit www.centennialcollege.ca/applied.

This advanced RETScreen course explored various examples ranging from grid-connected micro FIT and FIT projects to off-grid projects with storage. In addition to looking at parameters affecting energy performance, a large portion of the course also focused on financial modeling, including multiple funding scenarios, incentives, tax laws and other important variables. Future Advanced Worshops for Photovoltaics may take place if there is enough interest. Send a message to cei@centennialcollege.ca to express interest.

Further dates for the Introductory RETScreen Workshop are still being organized. Visit the webpage for more information.

The Centennial Energy Institute, in partnership with the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, and Summerhill Impact, are developing an Energy Storage Working Group in an attempt to identify policy, regulatory and program recommendations that will enable the rapid deployment of distributed sustainable generation in Toronto and throughout the rest of the province. Please see this backgrounder for more information.

On February 20, 2010 industry professionals from all over North America came to Centennial College to participate in a Introductory RETScreen Workshop. The day long sold-out Saturday workshop was led by Christian Cianfrone, a Green Buildings expert with Morrison Hershfield.

Dr. Sean White, lead instructor from the Ontario Solar Academy was one such participant: "I have used other programs for determining how to get the most out of a system, determine my annual system output and most important of all, the payback of a system" he said. "Through the CEI, in one day Christian showed me how to use RETScreen for those purposes" he continued. Noting the deficiencies in alternative software for analyzing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, Dr. White can now help students to better design PV systems using RETScreen software.

The next Introductory RETScreen workshops take place this Fall, on September 18 and November 20, at Centennial College's Progress Campus in Toronto's east end. Registration is available here. Anyone who participates in the Introductory RETScreen Workshops has the opportunity to fill out a course evaluation form where they can indicate what further specific training in RETScreen they may desire. An Advanced RETScreen Workshop for solar photovoltaic systems is scheduled for October 23, 2010. Send an email to cei@centennialcollege.ca to receive and alert once the workshop is available for registration.

Introduction to Alternative Energy Technologies Workshop - Next start date to be determined. Send an email to cei@centennialcollege.ca to get updates on this workshop.

Look out for the first Advanced RETScreen Workshops for Solar Photovoltaic Systems planned for October 23, 2010. This advanced RETScreen course will explore various examples ranging from grid-connected micro FIT and FIT projects to off-grid projects with storage. In addition to looking at parameters affecting energy performance, a large portion of the course will also focus on financial modeling, including multiple funding scenarios, incentives, tax laws and other important variables. A working knowledge of RETScreen is preferred, though a brief review will be provided at the beginning. Visit back for updates or send an email to cei@centennialcollege.ca to receive an alert once the workshop is available for registration.