Modular Wind Power for Northern Operations

This Challenge notice is issued under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program Call for Proposals (CFP) Call 006 (W7714-248676/A). Solicitation Documents reference: See bidding details section. *For additional general information on the IDEaS Program, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas.html _____________ This challenge is open to receive proposals for Component 1a, Component 1b and Component 2. Proposed solutions that fall within technology readiness levels (TRL) 1-9 can be submitted to this challenge. Steps to apply: Step 1: read this challenge Step 2: read the Call for Proposals : See bidding details section Step 3: propose your solution here : https://defence-innovation-portal.my.site.com/ _____________ Maximum Funding and Performance Period Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge. The individual maximum contract funding available under Component 1a (TRL 1-3) is up to $250,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of up to 6 months. The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 1b (TRL 4-5) is up to $1,500,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of 12 months. The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 2 (TRL 6-9) is up to $5,000,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes). The period of performance will be determined at the time of contract negotiation. The maximum individual contractual funding and the maximum performance period offered under Component 3 will be determined by Canada at the time of contract negotiation. This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding. _____________ Challenge Details Challenge Title: W7714-248676/016 - Modular Wind Power For North Operations The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) are seeking innovative solutions to develop modular, stand-alone wind-powered electric generator systems that can be easily transported, deployed, and maintained in remote northern locations to provide reliable, clean energy under extreme cold, high-wind, and icing conditions. Background & Context The demand for electrical power and space heating in the Canadian Subarctic and High Arctic is fulfilled almost exclusively with diesel-fired generators. The DND/CAF is seeking to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for the generation of electrical power in the North to minimize operational, logistical, and environmental burdens. Wind turbines suitable for DND/CAF operations are in limited use in the North, as existing installations tend to fall outside the desired capacity range. While small units that deliver up to 6 kilowatts (kW) have been deployed in some communities, and commercial turbines typically exceed 1 megawatt (MW), there is a critical gap in the 25–100 kW range—an ideal scale for remote DND sites. In addition, northern operating conditions present major technical and environmental hurdles that must be overcome before wind turbines can be fully exploited as a source of alternative energy. Canada's far North and Arctic regions are characterized by seasonally frozen ground, deep snow, rugged terrain, permafrost, and extreme temperatures that can reach –60 degrees Celsius (°C), with frequent high winds of 80–120 kilometers per hour (km/h). Ice rimming of wind turbine blades further threatens performance and efficiency. Innovative approaches are therefore needed to adapt conventional wind-powered electric generator designs to withstand these harsh northern conditions and operate effectively under both low and high wind scenarios. Climate change adds additional complexity, as thawing and refreezing permafrost can cause buildings and foundations to sink, shift, or crack. While not the primary focus of the challenge, consideration must be given to the design of the foundations to keep the turbines level and stable