Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The province has identified the need for more electricity in the coming years due to increasing demand and the refurbishment of nuclear facilities, as well as expiring contracts for existing oil and natural gas-fired facilities. Recognizing BESS’ capabilities in addressing this need, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (the ‘IESO’) has awarded supply contracts to more than 2,700MW of BESS projects in 2023 and 2024, with more annual contracts anticipated through 2028. The Inwood Energy Storage Project is being proposed by RES for the IESO’s Long Term 2 Capacity Bid Window 1 RFP due on December 18, 2025.
Battery energy storage technology supports the variable generation of renewable energy technologies by playing an important balancing and grid stability role. It helps support the grid by storing energy at times when generation exceeds demand and releasing electricity back to the national grid network when demand exceeds generation. It is considered the fastest technology for responding to a sudden spike in demand or an abrupt loss of supply.
Intelligent battery software uses algorithms to coordinate energy production. Computerized control systems are used to decide when to store the energy to provide reserves or release it to the grid. Energy is released from the battery energy storage system during times of peak demand, keeping costs down and electricity flowing.
Unlike electric vehicles and some older BESS projects, all RES-managed projects are monitored 24/7/365 from our control center. The control center can access, and remotely control, each individual racks which are being constantly monitored. Automatic electrical disconnection is enacted by the Battery Management System should operational temperature, current or voltage limits be breached. Multiple levels of alarms would be sent prior to potential breach of the protection limits. The local fire department will be trained by BESS experts on how to respond in the extremely unlikely event of a fire.
The proposed battery technology for the development is anticipated to be lithium iron phosphate (LFP). LFP has better stability against thermal runaway at higher temperatures compared to some other battery chemistries. Batteries will be specified to be tested and certified to UL 9540A, demonstrating resistance to thermal runaway. Successful testing in accordance with the current edition of U950A has shown that, at a unit level following deliberate initiation of thermal runaway:
- No flaming outside the initiating battery rack observed
- Surface temperatures of modules within the target battery rack adjacent to the initiating battery rack do not exceed the temperature at which thermally initiated cell venting occurs
- Wall surface temperature rise does not exceed a specified temperature above ambient
- Safety hazards are not observed during the test
A number of mitigation measures will also be implemented to further reduce risk from fire. These include:
- Equipment spacing
- Protection systems
- Secondary Access to battery enclosure
- Secondary Emergency Access for emergency services, for use if the main entrance is not accessible.
- A fire suppression system with the following safety precautions incorporated: fire alarm, gas, smoke and heat detectors, heat activated sprinkler system, fire related insulation, strobe light, and a horn
- HVAC systems to keep the batteries from experiencing thermal abuse or overheating
- A Fire Risk Management Plan will accompany the planning application.
Is there any noise impact from the project? How will it be mitigated?
As part of the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) permitting process, a Noise Impact Assessment will be completed for the project and submitted to the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks. This includes an ambient noise survey to establish the existing ‘noise envelope’ at the site, taking into consideration zoning, nearby highways, and other relevant factors.
The batteries themselves do not make much noise, however the cooling system fans do generate noise when operating. Use of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)system is required to keep the batteries at safe operating temperatures (approximately ± 21°C), especially during the summer months. The noise from the HVAC is expected to be minimal to negligible at any nearby points of reception. This assessment will demonstrate that the BESS will operate within the sound level limits outlined in Chapter 3 of the EASR Publication at all nearby points of reception.
Yes, we will connect the BESS to the existing grid via the adjacent Hydro One high voltage transmission lines. RES will have more details to share with the public through its consultation with Hydro One, as the relevant transmission system operator, and the interconnection process it administers for new connections. The Project design considers a 100m setback from the Hydro One Transmission Right-of-Way as per the BESS Fire Protection Risk & Response Assessment Standard. The potential connection line currently illustrated on the site map included is conceptual and should be used for discussion purposes.
RES recognizes the importance of protecting farmland. There are provincial policies which aim to prevent the conversion of prime agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, but there are exceptions for infrastructure such as grid connected electrical facilities. The project design minimizes land use by placing the battery system on a small footprint compared to other types of energy projects. And once built, it does not permanently remove land from agricultural production. The installation is not an intensive/invasive use. It involves modular enclosures placed on concrete pads and the land remains intact beneath the project. At the end of the Project's operating life, all equipment will be removed, recycled and the land will be restored for future agricultural use.
As part of the pre-bid submission process prior to contract award, the IESO requires that projects proposed on prime agricultural lands complete, to the satisfaction of the municipality, a Pre-Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) as per the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) Guidelines for the AIA Component One Requirement (May 21, 2025). The IESO also requires that completion of the full AIA (Components Two and Three) be completed to the satisfaction of the municipality within 18 months of the IESO contract date. RES has elected to voluntarily complete the full AIA (Components One, Two and Three) for submission to the Township of Enniskillen as part of the pre-bid process. The AIA is expected to be submitted for review by late October/early November 2025. The AIA framework requires such development to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to prime agricultural areas, and to design the project in a way that respects local agricultural activities.
An AIA evaluates potential impacts of non-agricultural uses on the agricultural system and recommends ways to avoid, or if avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts. AIA helps decision-makers understand what may be impacted by a proposed development. In turn, they can:
‐ build public support for projects,
‐ minimize agricultural land taken out of production; and,
‐ promote compatibility between agricultural and non-agricultural uses.
AIAs help support the long-term viability of the agri-food sector by contributing to the design of proposals in a manner that considers agricultural impacts.
There are three main components of an Agricultural Impact Assessment, 1) Avoid, 2) Minimize, and 3) Mitigate, evaluate potential impacts through a framework developed by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA).