Shuniah eyed for two new energy projects
Ontario’s projected need for additional sources of electricity could see two separate power projects developed in the Thunder Bay area.
In response to a request for proposals from the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator, submissions are in the works for a battery energy storage system (BESS) and for a natural gas turbine project, both of which would be built in the Municipality of Shuniah.
PowerBank Corporation is looking to establish two 200-megawatt BESS facilities side-by-side.
“Typically, during times of low demand, it would store energy from overnight, and would release that stored energy whenever it’s called up, whenever electricity is needed most, typically during times of peak demand during the day,” explained Ina Lila, director of finance for PowerBank.
The independent power producer, which operates in multiple provinces, started out as a solar power developer before expanding to other technologies.
In an interview Tuesday, Lila said the company has signed a long-term lease agreement with a property-owner on Mount Baldy Road.
If the project goes ahead, construction would likely start in 2027, with completion expected by 2029 or early 2030.
Lila estimates that 100 to 200 jobs would be created during construction, while operating the facility would require the equivalent of about five full-time workers.
She said the Thunder Bay area is one of three in the province where Powerbank hopes to establish a BESS through the IESO’s RFP.
“You can’t just get a site anywhere and be able to connect. You have to be able to connect where Hydro One says there is available capacity and the connection is feasible. That’s one of the number one reasons. Secondly, the IESO gives preferences to sites in northern Ontario. And another reason is land availability. We have to look for land that is non-agricultural.”
PowerBank will host a public meeting about its BESS project on Sept. 22 at the MacGregor Recreation Centre at 6:30 pm.
Another company, Current H2 Inc., is holding a public meeting about its proposed Shuniah Peaker Project on Sept. 18 at the MacGregor Recreation Centre starting at 5 pm.
Peaker plants are power plants that generally run only when there is a high demand.
Current H2 proposes to use natural gas turbines to generate 100 megawatts of electricity at a site for which it’s currently finalizing a land agreement.
It says the facility would use new, innovative turbines capable of burning not just natural gas but also hydrogen, or a blend of the two fuels.
The company declined a request for an interview about the project at this time.
Both PowerBank and Current H2 recently made presentations to Shuniah council, which agreed to support their applications to the IESO.
Mayor Wendy Landry said it’s an economic development opportunity for the community that would also generate some revenue.
“It’s good for the taxpayers for sure, and the generation of electricity for this area is good too,” she said.
But Landry noted there are a number of developers responding to the IESO’s request for proposals, and that it will be making the final decision. – tbnewswatch.com
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Great! Unless there is a fire in the battery energy storage facility. Then we are looking at a fire that, as of now, cannot be extinguished with existing fire fighting technology, burns at a very high temperature and produces highly toxic smoke/fumes. That highly toxic smoke will likely require the evacuation of nearby residents and commercial establishments that are downwind.
Lithium Ion batteries have a habit of spontaneously combusting.
When the batteries are being recharged, they are most vulnerable to over heating and combusting.
I believe that lithium ion battery fire coverage by mainstream media is being greatly ignored. I am sure its not by accident.
Me, I would not one of these facilities anywhere near where I live and/or work. Shuniah needs to think hard about it.
Where are the protestors? The senior citizens with their signs? Why are they silent?
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