Category: ALL

Almost lost in the public noise on the topic of Big BESS, a further two BESS project proposals were floated by other proponents. Each was significantly smaller. Opting not to reject a proposal that had not been received, Council tasked staff to report back to Council with their recommendation. The staff report is reported in the agenda of the January 31 Council meeting here.

• THAT Council pass the following Municipal Support Resolution, as required by the Independent
  Electricity Systems Operator, providing evidence of municipal support for the Mowbray West and Mowbray East Battery Energy Storage System project proposed by Abundant Energy at 500
  Mowbray Road (Project MCML_81) and 493 Mowbray Road (MCML_82)

  Motion: ‘The Council of Prince Edward County supports the development, construction and operation of the Long-Term Reliability Projects on the Municipal Lands.’

Going against staff’s recommendation for council to approve the municipal support resolution for the proposed Abundant Solar Energy project (a requirement by the Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO), the recorded vote lost 8-5.

My own thoughts on the Big BESS were somewhat less ‘over the top’ that I advised Council of my opinions on the whole concept. I was underwhelmed by the proposal, and provided some personal input to Council’s considerations see here .

In early December, Compass Renewable Energy Consulting Inc. launched a proposal for a large Battery Energy Storage System [BESS] to be built north of Picton adjacent to County Road 5.

Picton BESS Limited Partnership was created by Compass Renewable Energy Consulting Inc. for developing the Project, with support from Capstone Infrastructure Corporation. Capstone is approved by the Independent Electricity System Operator [IESO] among the 55 Qualified Applicants with the experience and capabilities to successfully develop, construct, and operate facilities acquired through these procurements.

The Project will be submitted to the IESO Request for Proposals under the Expedited Long-Term 1 procurement. The IESO requires that the local municipality is in favour of the specific ‘green energy’ projects as a condition for review of the project by IESO.

As it is of utmost importance to us that Picton BESS be correctly integrated into the County of Prince Edward, we are seeking to incorporate public feedback through Public Community Meetings and a Project Website into the development of this Project.

The Wellington Times provided a comprehensive report and local commentary on this proposal.