SARAH WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

For the second time in 2023, Prince Edward County Council has sent a strong message they do not support industrial Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) facilities in this jurisdiction. During the January 31 Special Meeting, after listening to project proponents from both Abundant Solar Energy and Solar Flow-Through along with opposition from residents, council voted in favour of opposing two BESS projects proposed for Athol.

The projects in question were proposed for Mowbray Road, between Eames Road and Miller Road.

Council also received a report by Albert Paschkowiak, Environmental Services and Sustainability Supervisor with the County.

As per the report, each of the proposed facilities would occupy a footprint of 0.15 acres within a 0.2 acre fenced area comprising containerized units housing batteries, inverters, fire suppression and extinguishment, and HVAC systems.

“The technology will store surplus power during low-use times and be used within the grid during peak usage in efforts to meet demand and reduce shortfalls,” according to the staff report.

In the report, staff also state support from the municipality is required in order for the application to receive funding from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).  Also in their report, staff recommended council support the two BESS projects, citing potential benefits to the local electricity supply.

“Considering the potential benefits to the County’s electrical grid and that outstanding risks can be evaluated as part of the Site Plan Approval Process, staff are recommending that Council provide support for these projects,” wrote Paschkowiak.

Speaking to the benefits of the proposed BESS facilities was Project Coordinator, Mila Simon. Simon echoed the benefits as being largely to “enhance” grid reliability locally. She also posited this could help mitigate the effects of brownouts.

“The key benefit of the system is it’s going to enhance electricity reliability for local grid. This area has been identified as priority number two by the IESO as having reliability issues,” said Simon.

Resident Gary Mooney questioned the benefits of the projects noting those presented in the report are more beneficial to the province than the County. Mooney also highlighted the vague language detailing benefits fails to inspire confidence.

“Benefits to the County contains three paragraphs with most of the text relating to benefits to the province. Only one sentence pertains to benefit for this area and there is no explanation as to whether this would really be a benefit or how it would work,” said Mooney.

Athol resident Debra Marshall also spoke to against the projects. Marshall urged council to consider the environmental repercussions of allowing such projects at the headland of East Lake-an area that drains into this ecologically important body of water.

“I caution council to not embrace this project just because it will provide some standby power if needed as it does not provide enough benefit to mitigate potential downsides,” said Marshall. “Protection of East Lake and marshes should be of utmost importance.”

Marshall voiced concern about an apparent lack of expertise among staff regarding the intricacies of the BESS proposals.

“If approved tonight, council will lose all future control over this project. As indicated earlier, the staff report admits to a lack of expertise on the technology and an inability to assess impacts as the final design has not been submitted,” stated Marshall.

Hoping to assuage the fears of council, Andrew Van Doorn Chief Operating Officer and Head Engineer at Abundant Solar Energy noted the proposed facilities would require multiple layers of safety measures.

“In terms of safety, all installed here in Ontario and Canada need to conform to three standards. There are national standard that prescribes how these projects get designed bult operated and installed,” said Van Doorn.

Van Doorn also pointed to an initial consultation made with Prince Edward Fire and Rescue in which they did not voice concern about the proposals.

And, ultimately, after concerns raised by council and the public, Van Doorn noted Abundant Solary Energy had decided to pursue using Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries which are, “more resistant to thermal runaway and less susceptible to overheating.”

Councillor Janice Maynard emphasized the intent of the proponent to use Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. These, she mentioned, are known to be safer than their counterparts.

“It seems, even after cursory reads, that the Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are much safer and I think that’s an important consideration,” said Maynard. “I’m wondering whether people really understand the difference between lithium phosphate versus lithium-ion.”

Ultimately, the level of uncertainty about the environmental and safety ramifications of this proposal was evident around the horseshoe.

“I’m not an expert in this, nor is anyone in this room. I think the staff report is terrific but there are limitations to the amount of knowledge and we’re having to decide about technology we’re not fully educated on,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “I’m not prepared to take the risk without having more knowledge about the technology and potential threats.”

A recorded vote was called, with a motion to support the BESS project losing eight to five. Only Councillors St-Jean, Harrison, Pennell, Maynard and Nieman voted in support.