The Fort Frances Power Corporation (FFPC) continues to explore the idea of a microgrid.

It is now embarking on feasibility studies with Siemens Canada doing the work.

Chief Executive Officer Jorge Ruppenstein says the studies will identify how to establish a microgrid and the opportunities available to Fort Frances.

“What are the missing pieces we have, what pieces we have in the community that we can repurpose, such as the mill properties, some transmission lines, the local generating station, for example, as well as what is missing. Is it solar? Is it hydrogen? Is it a small nuclear reactor? That might be pie in the sky, but basically, we’re doing a technology assessment to see where our technology is at and how we can build a microgrid,” says Ruppenstein.

Microgrids have the capability of providing power to a specific area, either independently or through a connection to an existing grid.

The FFPC envisions the microgrid keeping the electricity flowing to the town even when the provincial grid goes down.

“And that, to the right industry, to the right investment partner, might be worth a lot,” says Ruppenstein.

Part of the studies will identify the best type of industries they can attract.

“We’re very hopeful that by the end of January of 2024, we’ll be in a position to look for funding partners to actually construct a microgrid and hopefully be knocking on some investor doors once we know what type of business we’re best suited to attract. So rather than waiting for them to come to us, if we know what we’re a good fit for, we can actually go out and look for them.”

Microgrids are common in the United States, mostly found at some university and college campuses.

If the studies support the Fort Frances project, Ruppenstein believes it would be a first in Canada.

FedNor is providing $365,084 for the study work.