Battery power project approved for Dryden area

An international renewable energy producer and Eagle Lake First Nation are joining forces to develop and operate a battery energy storage system just west of Dryden.

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator recently awarded a 20-year contract to the First Nation and Neoen to supply up to 190 MW of power to the provincial grid for periods of up to eight hours.

The 200 MW facility will store energy during periods of lower demand and release it to the system when demand peaks.

“This is an important opportunity for Eagle Lake First Nation, and we look forward to the benefits it will bring to our community and the region as a whole,” Chief Bernadette Wabange said. “As we move forward together, Eagle Lake First Nation remains committed to ensuring this project is developed in a way that respects our traditional values, culture and relationship with the land.”

Eagle Lake and Neoen will co-own the facility in a 50/50 equity partnership which the two parties say will provide economic benefits including local jobs and local spending.

Daniel Morriseau, director of strategic projects for the First Nation, said its investment will be returned over lifespan of the contract with the IESO, but details of the spinoff benefits are still being determined.

“We’ll be working with Neoen to develop an Indigenous participation plan to outline contracting opportunities — whether directly or with joint-venture partners —
and some specific pathways for ensuring we get some Eagle Lake members employment during construction and during the operations and maintenance phase,” Morriseau said.

Eagle Lake has a registered population of about 700, including about 375 who reside in the community.

Construction of the facility at a site about five kilometres north of the reserve boundary is expected to begin in 2028, with a target in-service date of 2030.

Benoit Pino de Villechenon, Neoen’s director for Ontario, said the arrangement with the First Nation is rooted in respect and shared benefits.

“We are grateful to Eagle Lake First Nation for their trust and collaboration,” he said.

Founded in 2008, the company operates almost 200 battery storage, solar and wind power projects on three continents.

In Ontario, it has also partnered with the Garden River First Nation on a large solar project east of Sault Ste. Marie, with the Matachewan First Nation for a smaller solar project in Northeastern Ontario, and with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation on a battery storage project near Lake Huron. – nwonewswatch.com

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These  battery energy storage facilities are extremely dangerous.  Fire.  Lithium batteries are prone to spontaneously combust.  Lithium battery fires are difficult if not impossible to extinguish.   The smoke produced is highly toxic.

Water used to try and control the fire will contain dangerous chemicals that will end up in the ground.  Watercourses and ground water will be at risk.

And nuclear waste stored kilometers underground is an issue?  Seriously?

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