Project Overview
The Projects will consist of 20-Megawatt (MW) capacity lithium-ion battery storage systems. These standalone facilities will be used to store electricity for discharge into the local distribution system upon demand from the Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”).
What is a Battery Storage System, and why is it required?
Battery storage does not create new electricity, but rather holds previously generated electricity in large capacity batteries. For these Projects, electricity will be drawn from the Alberta electricity grid, then stored in batteries for a period of time, and eventually released as stored-energy-upon-demand for the AESO. The battery storage systems will effectively return energy to the electricity grid when needed for electric system support – generally when demand is high.
The worldwide need for battery storage systems has increased in recent years, as renewable energy sources such as wind and solar generation make up an increasingly larger percentage of the electricity supply. While renewable power sources have a low carbon footprint, the output produced is inherently intermittent and unpredictable. This situation has resulted in a challenge for grid management, in that these renewable electricity sources cannot be adjusted in response to increases or decreases in system demand. Battery storage systems provide a unique solution to this challenge, as battery technology can enable the shift of power output into other hours of the day or upon need from increasing grid demand.
Technology Selection
TERIC is currently working with the top-tier global manufacturers of battery storage technology to select the battery equipment for these Projects. It is of the utmost importance to TERIC to choose a supplier with an established history of installations for battery equipment, with considerations for operational efficiency, safety, construction quality, and a proven reliability record.
Regulatory
The Alberta Utilities Commission (“AUC”) regulates the utilities sector, natural gas and electricity markets to protect social, economic and environmental interests of. The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the province of Alberta and is responsible for ensuring that the delivery of Alberta's utility service takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest.
The AUC approves largest battery storage installation in Canada (October 14, 2020)