Vancouver-based Moment Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Simon Fraser University (SFU) to explore how repurposed EV batteries can support the growing power and sustainability needs of data centres.
The agreement focuses on deploying advanced energy storage systems to improve power availability across SFU’s data centres and research facilities, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying energy sources. The collaboration also includes joint research and development tied to AI and quantum computing workloads, as well as student training and workforce development initiatives.
At the centre of the partnership is a potential pilot project to support the expansion of SFU’s Cedar Supercomputing Centre with on-site battery backup. The initiative would leverage Canadian-made energy storage systems, enhancing power resilience while aligning with national data sovereignty and climate objectives.
“Moment Energy is proud to partner with SFU… to explore how our North American-made energy storage solutions can help power the next generation of data infrastructure like the Cedar supercomputer,” said Gurmesh Sidhu, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Moment Energy.
Moment Energy specializes in modular battery energy storage systems built from repurposed electric vehicle batteries. These systems provide backup power and load balancing for critical infrastructure, offering a lower-carbon alternative to new battery manufacturing while maintaining performance and scalability.
For SFU, the partnership represents an opportunity to strengthen the efficiency and reliability of its high-performance computing infrastructure. “This partnership… will help us take the Cedar Supercomputing Centre to new heights of efficiency and performance,” said Dugan O’Neil, SFU’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
As AI workloads drive increasing demand for compute and energy, the collaboration highlights a growing focus on integrating sustainable, distributed energy solutions into data centre environments. By extending the lifecycle of EV batteries, the project also points to a circular approach to infrastructure development.
The partners say the initiative could serve as a model for other Canadian institutions and operators seeking to balance rising compute demand with decarbonization and energy resilience goals.