MoUs with Ryerson University and Advanced Energy Centre to enable access to cutting edge research and advanced implementation expertise

Ontario, APRIL 13, 2016 – Microgrid as a Service (MaaS), an internally funded startup at Tech Mahindra, a specialist in digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering has been strengthened as a service offering with two MoUs signed during Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne’s recently concluded trade mission to India.

One of the MoUs signed with the Center For Urban Energy (CUE), a part of Ryerson University, located in Toronto, Ontario in Canada, is for advances in the area of Microgrid platform, that will make renewable energy more affordable and reliable in collaboration with CUE. CUE will bring its research knowledge and expertise in developing simulation and emulation models as a part of tools required to design and operate a Microgrid.

A second MOU was signed with Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) and Advanced Energy Center (AEC), promoted by the Ontario’s Ministry of Energy. Tech Mahindra will work with these institutions to identify areas of co-operation, collaboration and innovation specific to the state of Himachal Pradesh (HP), especially in areas where electricity supply is yet to meet demand. In addition, the organizations will work to bring innovative energy solutions to HPSEB, and to actively promote energy sector investments in both regions.

Speaking on this development, Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario stated “As a leader in renewable energy, Microgrids and clean tech, Ontario is well positioned to export our expertise, services and products to new markets. The MOUs between Ontario institutions and Tech Mahindra will strengthen Ontario’s presence in India and help develop technology solutions to increase access to clean electricity and economic opportunity in both Ontario and India.”

CP Gurnani, MD & CEO, Tech Mahindra stated “For businesses who cannot afford any disruption in power today have to rely on Microgrids for efficient distribution. We are pleased at the opportunity to access high-quality research at Ryerson University, as well as work with the AEC, in bringing innovative energy solutions to fruition to our customers and partners.”

Ron Dizy, Managing Director, AEC added “the consortium of Ontario-based technology companies have set out to design and deliver innovative energy solutions that are certain to bring more reliable and resilient power to the people of Himachal Pradesh and the advanced energy technologies from Ontario will deliver superior and scalable solutions to deliver positive impact to communities at large.

Commenting on MoU, Mr. P.C. Negi, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director HPSEBL said “Our collaboration with the Government of Ontario is our re-affirmation to help increase access and reliability of electricity in remote communities”.

“This partnership is our commitment to promote energy innovation in collaboration with key stakeholders and opens multiple avenues for Ryerson’s researchers and students to demonstrate the power of bringing companies, universities and government together,” said Mohamed Lachemi interim President, Ryerson University .

About MaaS

The MaaS offering creates a disruptive model in the market for electricity by creating a platform that will enable building owners, campuses, small towns and remote communities to produce and manage their own electricity.

The term “MICROGRID” reflects a new way of thinking about designing and building smart grids that focuses on creating a design and plan for local energy generation and delivery. At the local level, smart micro grids most efficiently and economically integrate consumers and buildings with electricity distribution, renewable and conventional generation, energy storage and demand management. This is a disruptive solution that will provide affordable, reliable and locally generated electricity even to the communities that are far reaching and remote, where the traditional utilities are not able to reach.