Students explore the effects of electric vehicles on Yukon power systems

Student research assistants were employed to study whether the Yukon’s power system can handle an increase in demand created by electric vehicles and smart heating units through the Electric Vehicle and Smart Heating project with the Northern Energy Innovation (NEI) research program. 

 Jared Nickoli spent the summer with a team of other student research assistants surveying power lines across Whitehorse and Dawson City to study the electrical infrastructure and determine how energy is distributed in the Yukon. This data will contribute to a Power System Impact Study  to assess whether the Yukon’s current power systems can support an increase in demand that would come with an influx of electric vehicle fast chargers and residential smart heating units.  

Jared, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at Okanagan College, joined NEI’s study in May as part of a co-op with his program. He spoke highly of his involvement in this project, which provided him with positive work experience in his area of interest, furthering his understanding of sustainable energy, and allowing him to contribute to something he is passionate about. 

This 2-year project is in partnership with the Yukon Government, Yukon Energy Corporation, Yukon Conservation Society, ATCO Electric Yukon, Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and Yukon Conservation Society; with funding from the Yukon Government, Yukon Energy Corporation, ATCO Electric Yukon, Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and the National Science and Engineering Research Council. 

Written by student communications assistant Naomi Dedon.