Practical Technologies for Communities
Explore emerging and proven modular technologies that support energy, housing, water, food, connectivity, and local economic development in remote and Indigenous community contexts.
Modular Edge Data Centres
The core idea: Geospatial and software solutions for land, water, and resource management, delivered through deployable data infrastructure. Services include GIS design, drone data integration, remote sensing, and real-time environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil conditions. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: Data sovereignty is a growing priority for Indigenous Nations. Local data infrastructure means communities control their own environmental, land, and resource data rather than relying on external systems. Real-time monitoring also supports wildfire response, water quality tracking, and land stewardship.
Modular Edge Data Centres
Self-contained, prefabricated data centre units for remote deployment.
Second-Life Battery Energy Storage
The core idea: Retired electric vehicle batteries still hold significant storage capacity. These systems repurpose them into battery energy storage systems (BESS) that support commercial, industrial, and off-grid applications. They offer a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to new battery manufacturing. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: Lower cost of entry compared to new battery systems, with strong environmental credentials. These systems enhance grid reliability and support the integration of renewable energy sources in communities transitioning away from diesel.
Second-Life Battery Energy Storage
Repurposed electric vehicle batteries assembled into scalable community energy storage systems.
Non-Explosive Flow Batteries
The core idea: Vanadium redox flow batteries that store renewable energy safely and at scale. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, these are non-explosive, highly durable, and designed to last. Their modular, scalable design provides flexibility for community centres, health centres, or band offices. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: Energy storage is the missing piece for many renewable energy projects. Flow batteries make solar and wind reliable by storing excess energy for use when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. Their safety profile is especially important for community buildings.
Non-Explosive Flow Batteries
Safe, scalable battery systems using liquid electrolytes for community-scale energy storage.
Carbon-Negative Micro Combined Heat and Power
The core idea: Small-scale combined heat and power (micro-CHP) units that use biomass gasification to produce up to 24 kWh of electricity per day alongside heat and biochar. Designed for both off-grid and grid-connected setups, they accept various types of waste biomass and feature high automation with remote monitoring. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: A single unit can provide electricity and heating for community buildings while also producing biochar as a soil enhancer. With efficiencies over 95% and ultra-low emissions, they support circular resource use and clean energy generation entirely from local biomass.
Carbon-Negative Micro Combined Heat and Power
Compact biomass gasification systems that produce both electricity and heat from local waste.
Mobile Biomass-to-Energy and Biochar Systems
The core idea: Trailer-mounted units designed for on-site deployment. They convert agricultural and forestry waste into clean electricity, biochar, and plant-enhancing liquids. The biochar produced is certified for organic use and supports soil health, water retention, and carbon sequestration. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: These systems are carbon-negative, meaning they remove more carbon than they emit. For farms and remote communities, they offer both energy access and regenerative benefits for the land.
Mobile Biomass-to-Energy and Biochar Systems
Portable gasification units that convert agricultural and forestry waste into electricity, biochar, and plant-enhancing liquids.
Portable Waste-to-Energy Systems
The core idea: Skid-mounted, portable systems that process diverse waste streams (municipal waste, agricultural residue, forestry wood waste, oil and gas byproducts) into syngas, hydrogen, fuel, electricity, and biochar. Designed for rapid deployment and scalability. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: Communities dealing with waste management challenges can turn those waste streams into energy and useful materials. The portable design means units can be shared across communities or moved to where they're needed most. How it connects to Unify's holistic approach: Waste-to-energy bridges multiple priorities at once: waste management, energy production, soil health (through biochar), and greenhouse gas reduction.
Portable Waste-to-Energy Systems
Mobile pyrolysis units that convert waste into clean energy and valuable byproducts.
Indigenous-Owned Biochar Production
The core idea: Pyrolysis technology converts underutilized forestry products into high-quality carbon materials. Outputs include biomass energy, biochar for soil improvement, and carbon-based fertilizers. The process supports carbon sequestration and reduces environmental impact. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: Many Nations manage significant forest resources. These systems turn forestry waste into valuable products while supporting land stewardship and decarbonization goals. Indigenous ownership of the process means both economic and environmental benefits stay within the community.
Indigenous-Owned Biochar Production
Advanced pyrolysis systems that transform forestry byproducts into biochar, biomass energy, and carbon-based fertilizers.
Small Modular Reactors
The core idea: Compact nuclear reactors that produce clean, reliable baseload power independent of weather conditions. Factory-built and transported to site, they include enhanced passive safety features and can operate for extended periods before refueling. Why it matters for Nation-led projects: For communities where solar and wind alone can't meet energy needs (especially in northern locations with long, dark winters), SMRs offer continuous zero-emission power. This technology is still in early stages of regulatory approval in Canada, so it represents a longer-term option to track rather than an immediate solution. Any involvement would require thorough community engagement and alignment with Nation-led governance.
Small Modular Reactors
Next-generation nuclear reactors designed at a fraction of conventional scale for remote deployment.
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Unify Partners operates from the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Our work takes place across many territories and treaty areas throughout Canada and beyond. We are grateful to the Indigenous Nations and communities who care for these lands and waters, and we recognize that the work we do is only possible because of their ongoing stewardship, governance, and generosity.