The Grid Modernization Centre (GMC) is a world-class testbed and innovation hub within The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto.
Powering a Sustainable Tomorrow: Canada’s Hub for Grid Modernization
Equipped with advanced simulation platforms, real-time testing capabilities, and unparalleled computational resources, GMC empowers utilities, manufacturers, and technology developers to validate and optimize clean energy innovations, from renewable generation and energy storage to EV infrastructure, data centres, and microgrids.
More than a facility, GMC is a collaborative engine for change, uniting utilities, regulators, municipalities, OEMs, and SMEs to drive the commercialization and integration of sustainable technologies, foster innovation and workforce development, and shape the resilient, low-carbon grid of Canada’s future.
Established under the Climate Positive Energy initiative, GMC is the first facility of its kind in Canada, dedicated to accelerating the nation’s transition toward a decarbonized, decentralized, and digitalized power grid.
Services
Modelling and Simulation
- High-fidelity EMT and RMS modelling
- Real-time simulation using RTDS, Opal-RT, and Typhoon HIL platforms
- Power system co-simulation and digital twin development
Testing and Validation
- HIL testing for controllers and protection systems
- Grid connection and impact assessments for IBRs, DERs, data centres, EV charging, and storage
- Microgrid control and protection testing under realistic grid conditions
Design and Compliance
- System protection and automation design
- Grid code and standards compliance evaluation
- Cybersecurity and resilience assessments
- Distribution system operator studies and planning support
Why Choose the Grid Modernization Centre?
The Grid Modernization Centre (GMC) offers one of Canada’s most advanced test environments for modern power systems, integrating real-time simulators, protection relays, and programmable logic controllers to enable high-fidelity, repeatable testing under realistic grid conditions.
Every project begins with a tailored testing plan developed in close collaboration with partners, delivering precise, actionable insights for renewable integration, protection scheme validation, and control algorithm testing.
Backed by a team with deep technical expertise in hardware-in-the-loop testing, EMT modelling, and advanced power system studies, GMC empowers clients to de-risk innovation, optimize performance, and advance a more sustainable, reliable grid.
Collaborators
Utilities
GMC partners with utilities to help modernize grid operations and integrate new technologies safely and efficiently. Through advanced testing and simulation, we support the validation of protection systems, the evaluation of distributed energy resource strategies, and studies such as short-circuit analysis, transient stability, and system protection design. Our facilities also enable utilities to test controllers and relays under real-world conditions before deployment, reducing risk and improving reliability.
Manufacturers
We collaborate with equipment and device manufacturers to test, validate, and refine next-generation power technologies. GMC’s hardware-in-the-loop and real-time simulation platforms ensure that products meet performance and compliance standards across global grid codes. Our team works with partners to develop detailed electromagnetic transient models and verify hardware functionality, accelerating innovation from prototype to market-ready solutions.
Consulting Firms
GMC supports consulting engineers with specialized expertise in system studies, model development, and protection system design. Our advanced lab environment allows consultants to test control logic, validate designs, and analyze performance under realistic conditions. We help engineering firms deliver deeper insight and de-risk their recommendations, strengthening confidence in every design decision.
Research Institutions
Academic and research collaborators use GMC’s advanced infrastructure to test prototypes, algorithms, and architectures in a controlled, risk-free environment. From microgrid controls to cybersecurity frameworks, researchers gain access to high-fidelity tools that bridge the gap between simulation and real-world application. GMC fosters a vibrant community of innovation — where ideas evolve into technologies that drive Canada’s sustainable energy transition.