A few companies that have bleeped on my radar screen over the past couple of weeks. I’ll look at them in more detail at a later date.

Cyrium Technologies Inc. of Ottawa — Pangaea Ventures Fund LP has led a $3 million venture financing in this developer of high-efficiency solar cells for the space and terrestrial markets. “Cyrium uses quantum dot nano-coatings to increase absorption of efficiency and light spectrum on triple junction solar cells,” according to a description on Pangaea’s Web site. “The multi-junction solar cells are the most efficient solar cells at about 29 per cent efficiency. They have been used to power satellites for many years and could enter the terrestrial market with an increase in efficiency. Cyrium’s technology can increase the efficiency level of multi-junction solar cells by 50 per cent.” 

Photon Control Inc. of Burnaby, B.C. — This company makes fibre-optic sensors that remotely monitor the temperature of power lines and are immune to electro-magnetic interference from the lines. Temperature can affect the flow of electricity over power lines so utilities are looking for better diagnostic tools as they transition to a smart grid. The company has begun its first field trails over power lines in a substation in Norway, operated by Protura SA, which plans to buy 500 or more of the sensors if the trial meets expectations. Newfoundland Labrador Hydro is also using the technology.

NextEnergy Inc. of Elmira, Ontario — this company is a designer and provider of low-temperature geothermal or “geoexchange” systems for homes and businesses. The company has formed a partnership with Waterloo North Hydro to market geothermal systems to the utility’s customers, who will be able to spread out the upfront costs of the systems by paying instalments on monthly bills over a 10 to 20 year period. Upfront costs have been identified as the main barrier to consumer acceptance of these highly efficient renewable energy systems. Apparently the Waterloo plan will be launched in January. We need to see more of these “partnerships” develop in Canada to make these systems more attractive.

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