Does Ottawa have a battery energy storage plan?

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.

Who approves energy storage systems in Ontario?

The primary authority for the Installation and Approval of Energy Storage Systems connected to the electrical grid in Ontario is the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). The ESA administers Part VIII of the Electricity Act and oversees the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC).

What is a lithium-ion battery energy storage system?

Although energy storage comes in different shapes and sizes, the lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) is the fastest emerging technology in North America and is planned to be deployed in the City of Ottawa with the Ottawa BESS 2 Project.

What is battery energy storage systems (Bess)?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) What are Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are energy retention systems that store and then discharge electricity back into the electricity grid when supply is low or when energy is most expensive.

What is the largest energy storage procurement in Canada?

This represented the largest energy storage procurement ever in Canada. A report was tabled at the November 30, 2023 Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee on four proposed BESS projects within Ottawa, one of which project received Council support, known as a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR).

Who owns energy supply in Ontario?

While the Province of Ontario is the regulator and owner of electricity generation supplies, municipalities have siting authority over new proposed renewable energy generation and storage projects, such as BESS. The approved amendments set policy direction for siting BESS within Ottawa’s rural and urban areas.