The Elmira Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located in Woolwich Township, Ontario, represents Barton Malow Canada’s first major BESS project and its first BESS augmentation project. Barton Malow Canada was the constructor for NextEra Energy’s 8 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, a Greenfield Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) 27.6 kV grid-connected 2 MW – 8 MWh BESS system. The project scope included the installation of all civil, electrical, and high-voltage components, as well as commissioning support for this system. In 2022, Barton Malow Canada was also selected as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor for the facility augmentation requirements.
The Elmira, Ontario BESS project is strategically located adjacent to Elmira’s Bio-En Power biogas plant. This biogas plant transforms organic material—including green-bin waste collected by municipalities—into methane, which is then used to generate power. The byproduct of this process is an organic fertilizer that is sold to local farmers, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. The Elmira BESS project is designed to enhance the operation of the biogas plant by storing excess electricity generated during periods of low demand and releasing it during periods of peak demand.
The system will provide stored energy to the Ontario IESO’s grid network during peak periods or when solar and wind generation is low. This energy storage facility is fitted with technology that allows the remote charging and discharging of energy, ensuring efficient and reliable energy management. The project is part of broader efforts to improve the adoption of renewable energy resources in Canada. By doing so, it aims to help Ontario reduce its reliance on natural gas-fired energy generation and secure its energy supply during peak periods.
