Council asks for more information on proposed Skyline Energy battery storage facility

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town council is asking for more information before throwing its support behind a battery energy storage system proposed by Skyline Energy.

Matt Kennedy of Skyline Energy spoke at the Oct. 14 meeting, outlining the company’s intention to apply to the province’s energy regulator for a battery storage facility as part of an effort to better utilize the grid. At the time, there was no motion of support coming from Tillsonburg council. Kennedy was back before council on Nov. 10, seeking a municipal support resolution as part of the application for the 30-megawatt battery storage system.

“Essentially what this means is we’ll use the excess power at night and charge the batteries at night time, and put it back in the grid at times of high demand and high consumption to help with things like rolling brownouts, grid stability,” he explained.

The proposal is to build the facility at the back of 500 Highway 3.

Since the last meeting, Kennedy stated that more work has been done on the site layout, an acoustic study has been commissioned, and he has spoken to the fire prevention officer. Discussions with Six Nations of the Grand River, a partner on the project, have also continued. He described the development as 40-foot shipping containers situated on concrete pads. As part of the agreement, the town will receive $30,000 per year for the endurance of the 20-year term.

With similar battery storage facilities previously located on farm land, Coun. Bob Parsons asked where installations have been built in urban settings. Noting he was told Fergus when he asked the same question at the Oct. 14 meeting, Parsons said he investigated further and found that development was two kilometers south of the town. He also inquired about noise, whether the system would power the town, and about decommissioning.

Kennedy answered that if the grid were down, the battery system would not power the town. He explained the noise would be from the HVAC system, the financing includes decommissioning funds, and the company is working with the fire department.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked why there was a shift to building in urban centres. Kennedy said there was a directive from the province not to build on prime agricultural land, and the power is needed more in urban areas.

Coun. Chris Rosehart wanted clarification on whether there would be a benefit for Tillsonburg residents in the event of a power outage.

“Correct, it’s not back-up power,” Kennedy said. “The purpose of this procurement from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and the need for more power, is because they’re predicting a 75 per cent increase in power consumption over the next 25 years. The two options they’re looking at now is to build more generation, or find ways to store that power when it’s not being used and put back it in play when it’s needed.”

A question from Coun. Kelly Spencer ruled out the risk of cyberattacks on the installation.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy asked if the town has the capacity, and if this development would restrict future industrial growth, which could use night shifts. Kennedy assured that the capacity was available at night and that the IESO has regulations in place to ensure no negative impact on the grid.

Coun Chris Parker wanted assurances in advance that there would be no negative grid impact.

“I do apologize the i’s weren’t dotted and the t’s crossed,” Kennedy said. “This is the first procurement where municipalities can comment.”

Graig Pettit, general manager of Tillsonburg Hydro, said the Skyline proposal won’t solve the prediction the town will exceed its current 100-megawatt capacity in 2028 or 2029.

“It takes some of the urgency off, but it certainly doesn’t mitigate the situation we are facing,” he said, adding that the town has the capacity.

Council passed a motion requesting additional information from Tillsonburg Hydro, the fire chief, and further IESO data on existing battery storage systems.