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334 Batteries
Hagersville BESS project
at a glance
Boralex is constructing a battery energy storage system (BESS) project near the existing Hagersville Switching Station, owned by Hydro One, near the Town of Hagersville, Haldimand County, Ontario. The Hagersville Battery Storage Energy Park will have a capacity of 300 MW/1200 MWh.
Addressing growing energy flexibility needs
Once constructed, the project will help meet the energy capacity need identified by Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and will also benefit the overall Ontario electricity system.
Recent updates
- The Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park was selected by the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as part of its Expedited Long-Term Request for Proposals (RFP) for storage capacity. The official announcement can be found here.
- All interested parties, especially local stakeholders and members of Indigenous communities, are strongly encouraged to share feedback on the project. Please contact us through our web form (with a mention to the project in object).
- Boralex has published the final Environmental Study Report for the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park which can be reviewed (see document section)
- The proponent name has changed from “Boralex Inc.” to “Hagersville Battery Storage Inc.” a subsidiary of Boralex Inc. The project name has changed from “Hagersville Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)” to “Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park”
Understanding Hagersville energy storage project
The Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park will consist of containerized batteries, inverters, medium voltage transformers, gravel internal access roads, buried collector and communication cabling, a small transmission substation and potential garage and operations and maintenance building.
The layout of the infrastructure within the project’s footprint has yet to be confirmed and will be determined through additional engineering studies, equipment procurement, and an environmental assessment. The project will also include a 2-4 km transmission line to connect to the Hydro One transmission system. Multiple transmission line routes are being assessed with the final route being selected through engineering studies and the environmental assessment.
Enhancing renewable energy integration
The project will provide reliable power capacity by drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak periods and releasing it back to the Ontario grid when energy demand is at its peak. The project is expected to provide significant benefits to Ontario’s ratepayers by reducing the need and cost associated with using gas-fired power plants during times of peak demand as well as helping to clean Ontario’s electricity system.
Frenquently asked questions (FAQ) on Hagersville project
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Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems, are devices that enable energy from power sources, like hydroelectric, wind, and even the electrical grid itself, to be stored and then released when customers need power most. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars, are currently the most-used storage technology for large scale energy storage projects to help electricity grids ensure a reliable supply of energy.
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Battery energy storage technology has a key part to play in ensuring homes and businesses can be powered, even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind has stopped blowing. The energy system must match energy supply with customer demand. Battery energy storage systems charge up when energy sources are producing more energy than customers need and discharge during times of peak demand to provide a reliable, steady supply of energy.
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Battery energy storage systems are considerably more advanced than the batteries you keep in your kitchen drawer or insert in toys and other electronics. A battery energy storage system can be charged by electricity generated from renewable energy, like wind and hydroelectric power, as well as drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak periods.
Intelligent battery software uses algorithms to coordinate energy production. Computerized control systems are used to decide when to store the energy to provide reserves or release it to the grid. Energy is released from the battery energy storage system during times of peak demand, keeping costs down and electricity flowing.
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A site would consist of containerized batteries, inverters, medium voltage transformers, gravel internal access roads, buried collector and communication cabling, a small transmission substation, potential garage and operations and maintenance building, and connect to either a transmission system or distribution system depending on the system of the project.
The Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park project will also include a 3-4 km transmission line to connect to the Hydro One transmission system via a 230-kilovolt interconnection.
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The project will contribute to fight against climate change by mitigating the variability of renewable energy production and the cycling of natural gas facilities. Leveling this variability helps ensure the reliability and stability of the electricity grid as it fosters the penetration of renewable energies. A project like this also helps to reduce harmful emissions as it lightens the load of traditional energy generation systems that rely on fossil fuels, such as gas-fired power plants.
Potential environmental effects will be determined during the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Transmission Facilities in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA is a streamlined process for transmission projects anticipated to have a predictable range of environmental effects that can feasibly be mitigated with protection measures. More information about the Class EA can be found on the Hydro One website here.
Document available on the Hagersville BESS project
