Ekstera is a Toronto-based clean technology and advanced manufacturing company developing patented Stirling engine systems that convert industrial waste heat into electricity. The company is focused on facilities such as steel mills, cement plants, oil and gas operations, and biomass sites where valuable heat is currently released to the atmosphere. Ekstera’s compact engine technology is designed for distributed heat sources that are too small or dispersed for conventional power-generation systems, allowing manufacturers to reduce electricity costs, lower emissions, and improve energy efficiency without major changes to their core production assets.
Through this project, Ekstera will integrate 5G communication capabilities into its Stirling engine instrumentation and control system. The work includes cloud server setup, data logging, dashboard development, bidirectional communication, 5G-enabled PCB integration, and field testing with a pilot installation at a partnering steel mill. Working with the University of Waterloo RoboHub and Rogers’ 5G network, Ekstera will validate real-time data transmission, remote monitoring, and control functionality in both lab and field environments. The resulting system will allow operators to monitor engine performance and safely manage equipment in difficult-to-access industrial locations.
The project will advance Ekstera toward commercial deployment of an industrial waste heat-to-power solution with modern digital connectivity. By enabling remote monitoring and control, the 5G-enabled system improves operational safety, reliability, and scalability for future installations. A successful steel mill pilot will provide evidence that Ontario manufacturers can recover unused energy on site, reduce electricity costs, and lower emissions. The project supports clean manufacturing, grid resilience, and the commercialization of Ontario-developed energy technology for sectors with significant waste heat and competitiveness pressures.
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