Saint John Energy (SJE) continues to move toward its goal of becoming net-zero by 2030.

More than $2.5 million in federal funding will go towards the Utility of the Future and its Zero30 action plan.

Friday’s announcement was made by Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long on behalf of the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Gudie Hutchings.

“We’re grateful to ACOA for this strategic support, which is propelling forward our work on Zero30 and the Utility of the Future. With its partnership and belief in our innovative mission we are creating a cleaner energy future for Saint John,” says Saint John Energy President and CEO Ryan Mitchell.

Mitchell says clean energy is one of the lowest-cost options going into the future.

“Folks that have both a strong climate conscience as well as an economic conscience I think will be lining up around supporting green energy in the transition,” he says.

SJE has also reached an agreement with British software firm Kraken Technologies to help advance the adoption of low-carbon technologies.

Kraken officials said their operating system helps world-leading businesses across the energy industry do everything from managing and optimizing energy resources to delivering customer experiences at a lower cost.

Lily Stein, vice-president of customer success for North America, says Kraken is a global service helping 14 countries.

This is the first time they are associated with a Canadian-based company, calling it a natural partnership and praising Saint John Energy for adapting to clean energy.

In addition to the partnership with Kraken, the  funding allows Saint John Energy to implement other enhancements to its utility operating system and to develop a “digital twin” of its grid infrastructure to foster greater innovation.

More details about the digital twin project will be announced at a later date.