Napanee Energy Storage Gets Approval
OAKVILLE, Ont. (June 8, 2023) – Atura Power was selected to build a new battery energy storage system (BESS) next to its Napanee Generating Station by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
The 250-megawatt (MW) Napanee BESS project represents 35 per cent of the new energy storage capacity recently announced by the IESO. With seven new projects totalling 739 MW of energy storage capacity, it’s the largest energy storage procurement ever in Canada.
“Atura Power is proud to own and operate the infrastructure necessary to support a consistent and reliable supply of clean energy for Ontario.”
The Napanee BESS project will include battery equipment and associated infrastructure. The system will be located next to Atura Power’s Napanee Generating Station in Greater Napanee, Ont., and is expected to be operational by May 2026. Construction of the system will inject about $60 million into the Ontario economy.
The project is owned through a joint venture (JV) with Atura Power and Ameresco, a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator.
“We are proud that Ameresco was one of the forward-thinking companies that provided the IESO with pilot projects that gave them confidence that BESS systems are ready for prime time at this size,” says Lou Maltezos, EVP of Ameresco. “In partnership with Atura Power, we are honored that our JV has been selected by the IESO for this battery energy storage system installation, one of the largest in Canadian history. This project is designed to significantly bolster the province’s energy security and reliability, ushering Canada into a greener, more sustainable age.”
Ontario’s electricity system requires at least 4,000 MW of new electricity capacity by the end of the decade to maintain the system’s future reliability according to the IESO. This need is driven by the ongoing refurbishment of Ontario’s nuclear fleet and a growing demand for electricity. These new capacity resources must operate reliably during times of peak system demand.
For more information, visit aturapower.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn at /atura-power.
About Atura Power
As Ontario’s largest fleet of combined-cycle turbine gas plants, Atura Power plays a key role in the province’s electricity system and diverse generation supply. Atura Power’s flexible energy is readily available during peak demand periods, which is important given the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.
Atura Power is also playing a leadership role in establishing the supply of low-carbon hydrogen in Ontario to help the province move towards a net-zero future. It has announced plans for low-carbon hydrogen facilities in Niagara, Windsor, and Nanticoke.
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