The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) picked late Thursday (May 16th) to announce it is moving forward with seven new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across Ontario.
It estimates these will provide 739 MW of capacity to face the anticipated growing demand for electricity over the next 20 years.
The IESO says the seven contracts vary in size from 5 MW to 300 MW.
The majority of these selected have partnered with Indigenous communities, including the Almonte BESS, which lists Wahgoshig Solar FITS LP as a player in its Storage Category 2 proposal.
What is raising ire locally is a “Pending Approval” announced for Evolugen’s Fitzroy BESS, (trumpeted May 9th) despite the idea failing to win endorsement from the City of Ottawa.
The proposed site, at Homesteaders and Galetta Sideroad, would be among the largest of such BESS installations, at 14 acres in size.
Evolugen will now have 18 months to satisfy civic concerns.
Ward 5 Councillor Clarke Kelly’s website reiterates his commitment to assure the local community’s concerns will be reflected in any final decision.
By Rick Stow
