Northern Ont. utility proposal would create battery storage sites in the Sault

Battery storage site proposed for the Sault The PUC utility in Sault Ste. Marie is proposing the creation of five battery storage sites in the city to store energy for peak demand.

PUC Services in the Sault is proposing to build five battery storage sites in the city in partnership with Starwood Energy Group Global Inc.

The project is in response to an RFP from the province as the government prepares to close one of its nuclear plants.

“After more than a decade of strong supply, Ontario is entering a period of emerging electricity system needs, driven by increasing demand, the retirement of the Pickering nuclear plant, the refurbishment of other nuclear generating units, as well as expiring contracts for existing facilities,” the PUC said on a website created to explain the project.

“To address these needs, the long-term request for proposals … is expected to competitively procure 2,518 MW of year-round effective capacity from dispatchable new build resources.”

In its presentation to council, PUC said the battery sites would store energy created by renewable resources such as solar and wind power so it can be used “when the power is needed most.”

“Battery storage technology has a key part to play in ensuring homes and businesses can be powered by green energy, even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind has stopped blowing.”

The report details where each of the five battery sites would be located: one each on Allen’s Side Road, People’s Road North of Second Line, 500 Second Line East, 140 MacDonald Ave. and 2221 Queen St. East.

The plan has the support of Missanabie Cree First Nation, with PUC also engaging with other First Nations in the area. The first public meeting on the plan was held Nov. 13.

The proposal is the second reviewed by city council, following a presentation in September to create a $300 million, 150-megawatt battery storage facility on repurposed land on Huron Street.