RFAs: Modular Wind Power Grant for Northern Operations (Canada)

Deadline: 20-Oct-2026

The Modular Wind Power for Northern Operations Challenge is seeking innovative solutions to develop modular, stand-alone wind-powered electric generation systems for reliable and clean energy in remote northern locations in Canada. Led by the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, the challenge aims to address the operational, logistical, and environmental burdens associated with diesel-fired generators in Canada’s Subarctic and High Arctic regions.

About the Modular Wind Power for Northern Operations Challenge

Remote northern locations face significant challenges in accessing reliable energy. Many sites currently rely on diesel-fired generators, creating logistical demands as well as environmental impacts. The challenge seeks to develop wind energy systems specifically suited to isolated northern locations. The programme is targeting the 25–100 kW wind turbine capacity range and aims to overcome challenges associated with extreme cold, high winds, icing, and permafrost. What Does the Challenge Seek? Proposed solutions must deliver a modular, stand-alone wind-powered electric generation system that can be transported, deployed, operated, and maintained in remote northern locations. The system should be designed specifically for the demanding conditions of Canada’s Subarctic and High Arctic regions.

Key requirements include:

- Operation in temperatures as low as –60°C. - Ability to withstand winds of up to 120 km/h. - Integration with existing microgrids. - Onsite assembly without heavy-lift equipment. - Servicing using standard tools. - Design focused on maintainability in harsh environments. - All components fitting within a standard 20-foot sea container. Target Wind Power Capacity The challenge specifically targets wind power systems in the 25–100 kW range. This capacity range is intended to address the gap in wind turbine solutions suitable for remote northern sites. Proposed systems should combine appropriate power generation capacity with portability, ease of deployment, and maintainability. Extreme Northern Operating Conditions Wind power systems deployed in northern Canada must operate under severe environmental conditions. Proposed solutions need to address challenges such as: - Temperatures as low as –60°C. - High winds. - Icing. - Permafrost. - Remote and isolated operating locations. The ability to remain operational and maintainable under these conditions is an essential part of the challenge. Transportation and Deployment Requirements The proposed system must be easy to transport and deploy in isolated northern locations. All components must fit within a standard 20-foot sea container. The system must also be capable of being assembled onsite without heavy-lift equipment. These requirements are intended to make the technology suitable for locations where conventional transportation and construction infrastructure may be limited. Microgrid Integration The proposed wind generation system must be capable of integrating with existing microgrids. This requirement is important for remote sites where energy systems may already include other generation or storage infrastructure. Solutions should therefore be designed to operate as part of existing remote energy systems rather than as completely isolated infrastructure. Maintenance Requirements Maintainability is a key requirement of the challenge. The system must be serviceable using standard tools and designed to allow maintenance in harsh and isolated environments. This can help reduce the logistical burden associated with transporting specialised equipment and personnel to remote northern locations. How Much Funding Is Available? Up to $6.75 million in phased development funding is available through the challenge. Funding is divided across different stages of technical development: - Up to $250,000 for early-stage solutions at TRL 1–3 for up to six months. - Up to $1.5 million for the design phase at TRL 4–5 for up to 12 months. - Up to $5 million for the build phase at TRL 6–9 to build and validate prototypes. Solutions may progress through multiple funding stages as they advance in technical readiness. Early-Stage Development Funding Solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1–3 may receive up to $250,000 for a period of up to six months. This stage is intended for early-stage solutions that require further development to demonstrate their technical potential. Design Phase Funding Solutions reaching TRL 4–5 may receive up to $1.5 million for the design phase. The design phase can last for up to 12 months and is intended to support further development toward a deployable system. Build and Validation Funding Solutions at TRL 6–9 may receive up to $5 million for the build phase. This stage supports the construction and validation of prototypes and represents the later stages of technical development. Phased Development Approach The challenge allows promising solutions to progress through multiple funding stages. As a solution advances in technical readiness, it may move from early-stage development to design and eventually to prototype construction and validation. This phased approach provides opportunities for technologies at different levels of development to participate. Who Can Apply? The challenge is open to a broad range of applicants with innovative solutions.

Eligible applicants include:

- Individuals. - Academic institutions. - Not-for-profit organizations. - Provincial or territorial government organizations. - Municipal government organizations. - Industry organizations. Applicants should ensure that their proposed solution meets the technical and operational requirements of the challenge. Who Is Not Eligible? Federal and provincial Crown corporations are not eligible for funding. Other applicants must meet the programme requirements and demonstrate that their proposed technology can address the challenge’s objectives. Why Is the Challenge Important? Remote northern operatio