A proposed energy project in West Ottawa aims to address Ontario's increasing electricity demand by storing excess energy during low-demand periods and delivering it when demand peaks.
Are Ottawa's new battery energy storage regulations too far?
Ottawa is looking at regulatory changes around these types of facilities. (Ross D. Franklin/The Associated Press) A city committee passed new regulations Thursday that lay out the ground rules for companies looking to build battery energy storage facilities in Ottawa, but residents are split on whether the new rules go too far — or not far enough.
According to the new rules, companies looking to build a battery facility will have to show Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) that effective fire and safety risk management has been incorporated into the design. Companies will be required to install fire prevention and suppression systems, and provide OFS with site-specific training.
They work by drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak hours when demand is low, and discharging it back to the grid when needed. They're a major part of Ontario's plans to address rising energy demands, which it forecasts will increase by 75 per cent by 2050.
What is Ottawa Bess 2?
Ottawa BESS 2 is a proposed up to 75 Mega-Watt (“MW”) lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) that will be located at 2393 8th Line Road, Ottawa, ON, K0A 2P0. The Project will be submitted to the Independent Electricity System Operator's (“IESO”) Request for Proposals under the Long-Term 1 Procurement.
What is the largest energy storage procurement in Canada?
This represented the largest energy storage procurement ever in Canada. A report was tabled at the November 30, 2023 Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee on four proposed BESS projects within Ottawa, one of which project received Council support, known as a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR).
Is there a Bess project in West Ottawa?
Yes, there are two transmission scale BESS projects proposed in rural west Ottawa. One in West Carleton-March (Ward 5) and the other is in Rideau-Jock (Ward 21). Are there land use impacts associated with BESS? There are different types and sizes of BESS.