Ironwood

A Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) consists of an assembly of batteries that draws power from the electric grid when excess power congests transmission lines during periods of low electricity demand. This surplus energy is stored and discharged when electricity demand increases.

• Long-Term Tax Revenue – Over the course of its life, the Project will provide significant and reliable contributions to the Municipality’s tax base while requiring minimal municipal services. The Municipality can use the increased tax revenue to fund roads and schools and improve municipal services.
• Local Employment – Construction of the Project will create jobs including, but not limited to, land surveying, road construction, concrete and aggregates supply, equipment installation, substation construction, electrical testing, and technical commissioning.
• Boosting the Local Economy – Construction activities, materials, and contractors will be sourced locally when possible and subject to meeting quality, quantity, and workmanship standards. Workers may also require local accommodation and services while working on the Project. In addition to the direct jobs, the Project will increase electrical capacity enabling further investment in the region.
• Reducing Emissions – The Project will help to reduce Ontario’s emissions by limiting the need to run natural gas generators during times of peak loads.

Numerous BESS projects are already safely installed and operating in many urban and rural environments. These systems are made of the same type of batteries found in cellphones, electric vehicles, and portable computers.

BESS facility designs prioritize safety through proactive measures such as fire detection and suppression systems as well as robust thermal management to prevent thermal runaway. Facilities will often include fire-resistant enclosures and equipment layout designed to mitigate the spread of fire in the case of an incident.

Innergex is committed to following the highest recognized safety standards, including UL 9540 and NFPA 855, as well as applying industry best practices to facility design and operations.

Innergex will prioritize the development of a Safety Plan with the local Fire Authority well in advance of any project construction. A sample of measures as part of the Safety Plan may include:

• Preparation of a Site Security and Safety Response Plan in coordination with first responders and the municipality.
• Training of first responders prior to construction and as required thereafter.
• Storage containers contain integrated fire suppression systems, in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.

Innergex’s operations will also include 24/7 monitoring of the system, regular onsite visits, preventive maintenance and vegetation control around the facility.