Public Meeting Nov. 28 Regarding Proposed Battery Energy Storage System Plant

2 min read November 21, 2023

A public meeting will be held in Manotick Nov. 28 regarding a proposed battery energy storage system plant being proposed for Trail Road, just off Brophy Road along west of Highway 416 between Manotick and Richmond.

Evolugen, the Canadian operating business of Brookfield Renewable Power Inc., is proposing the facility. The $350 million project, which would be operational by May 2028, is in the feasibility stage right now.

The project would see the installation of battery modules, some additional power equipment, light civil, safety and security infrastructure. The plant would sit on eight acres and would be on a 53-acre site of private land.

According to Evolugen, the project directly responds to the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) call for additional capacity to meet Ontario’s growing electricity consumption. Evolgen states that the project represents a cost-effective solution to add capacity, enhance flexible grid operations, and save greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ontario by reducing the need for carbon-intensive power plants during times of peak demand.

According to Ottawa WindConcerns, the concerns of local residents include the risk of fire, noise from the cooling equipment, emergency preparedness, loss of property value for nearby properties, and how the cost of the project will impact electricity bills.

Evolugen is one of three companies proposing to build BESS facilities in the western part of Ottawa. The other companies are Potentia Renewables and Solar Flow Through Funds. They are both proposing building BESS facilities in West Carleton-March, w. The proposals came after the ISEO issued a call for proposals as it tries to address the needs to balance Ontario’s power supply.

The Trail Road BESS would add up to 150 MW of capacity and 600 MWh of energy storage. It would interconnect to ISEO using the nearby 230 kV circuit.

Evolugen states that they are committed to building trust with local stakeholders and engaging proactively with communities to ensure that their interests are appropriately considered in our decision-making. The project will follow this commitment with:

Minimal traffic when the facility is operational
Increased electricity supply and reliability
Reduced chance of outages in the network

The public meeting will introduce the Trail Road BESS and receive feedback. The meeting will take place Tues., Nov. 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Manotick Arena, 5572 Dr. Leach Drive. The format of the meeting is for an opportunity to engage with the project team members from 6:30-7 p.m., the project presentation from 7-7:30 p.m., and a question and answer period from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Feature Image – Evolugen is proposing a $350 million battery energy storage system off Brophy Road near Highway 416 between Manotick and Richmond. (Preliminary design/subject to change)