In 2025, the City of Ottawa established official plan and zoning provisions for battery energy storage uses in accordance with new Official Plan policy. BESS is an emerging technology using batteries and associated equipment to store excess energy from the electrical grid, which can then discharge energy in periods of high demand.
Well, soon, in Ontario, batteries will be very much included - and they'll be transformative. Several battery energy storage system projects are currently underway in the province, including a 120 megawatt (MW) plant in York region and an 80 MW facility in the municipality of Lakeshore.
Battery storage, also known as a battery energy storage system, refers to the technology that captures and stores electricity for later use. These systems typically use advanced batteries, such as lithium-ion, or emerging solid-state technologies, to store excess energy.
Ottawa is looking at regulatory changes around these types of facilities. (Ross D. Franklin/The Associated Press) UPDATED: City councillors unanimously approved the new rules for battery energy storage facilities at their meeting on Feb. 12, 2025.
With electricity demand expected to increase 166% in the Ottawa area (compared to the 75% average across Ontario) Ottawa''s grid is in dire need of reinforcement, and batteries provide the
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Explore the differences and similarities between batteries and energy storage solutions and learn about the various technologies and mechanisms used in energy storage systems.
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Battery storage technologies are making the case for replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. Using renewable energy and battery systems reduces reliance on the grid, ensures uninterrupted power
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Battery storage, also known as a battery energy storage system, refers to the technology that captures and stores electricity for later use. These systems typically use advanced batteries,
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Pumped hydro provides bulk energy storage measured in hours to days and is centralized, while batteries provide fast storage measured in minutes to hours and can sit at the distribution edge.
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Workers check battery storage pods at a lithium-ion battery storage energy facility in Arizona last year. Ottawa is looking at regulatory changes around these types of facilities.
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There are two types of energy storage batteries available: Lead batteries, which have a 5 to 15-year life expectancy, are cheaper but need more maintenance. Lithium-based batteries, which are more
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Lithium-ion batteries, the same batteries that are used in cell phones and electric vehicles, are the dominant form of energy storage today because they hold a charge longer than other types of
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Unlike on-demand natural gas production, BESS allows for flexibility and clean energy storage.
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