Limited interest in Stayner battery energy storage system proposal

Only about a dozen people attended a public meeting in Stayner Tuesday about a battery energy storage system (BESS) proposal by Compass Greenfield Development.

Residents did not voice any major concerns but took the opportunity to learn more about the location, the government procurement process, safety standards and emergency response plans.

Many of the attendees agreed that something needs to be done in order to strengthen the province’s electricity grid, and ensure even distribution during peak consumption.

Compass Greenfield Development is hoping to construct an 18-megawatt AC battery energy storage project on leased land at 219 Industrial Road. The proponent requires council support for the IESO’s request for proposal bid submission date for capacity dueDec. 18. The bid is in response to the province’s goal to increase capacity by 75 per cent by 2050 and meet demands at peak consumption periods. The batteries are charged at night and the operator is paid to be on standby to feed power back into the grid during times of peak usage.

Clearview council member Robert Walker said he is pleased that the developer agreed to have a second meeting after an initial one held in Duntroon had low attendance, partially due to limited public notice.

He said his main concern is the impact the presence of the system would have on the fire department.

During a Oct. 6 deputation to council, James Marzotto vowed that Compass Greenfield Development would pay for any training and equipment the fire department would require.

Marzotto said he will be back at council on Nov. 10 to report on the results of the public meeting.