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. To address this anticipated need, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is carrying out a series of competitive procurements. Through the Long-Term 1 (LT1) RFP, launched in September 2023, the IESO secured 2,194 MW of year-round capacity services from new-build and expansion projects able to achieve commercial operation by as early as 2028. Building on this, the current Long-Term 2 (LT2) RFP includes a targeted procurement of up to 600 MW of additional capacity under the LT2(c-1) process. The Inwood Energy Storage Project is being proposed by RES. Only a select few of these proposed projects will secure long-term electricity supply contracts with the IESO and, ultimately, come into operation.
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. It can also provide grid stability (frequency of the grid) services on a second-by-second basis as well as providing additional network capacity, particularly at times of network stress.
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 to 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
- Explosion 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, overheating
- A Fire Risk Management Plan will accompany the planning application.
As part of the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) permitting process, a Noise Impact Assessment was completed for the project and submitted to the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks. This included 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 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 minimal to negligible. The assessment determined 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 would have to connect the BESS to the existing grid and the only way to do so is 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 Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) process it administers for new interconnection applicants. The Project design is 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.
The Green Energy Act didn’t allow large solar farms on prime agricultural lands, but the Act was repealed in 2018 and
no longer applies. 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.
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 and County of Lambton 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.
RES recognizes the importance of protecting farmland. 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.
An AIA is a tool to identify and evaluate the impacts of non-agricultural uses to avoid, and where avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate impacts on agriculture. The Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan have the following definition of an AIA:
“a study that evaluates the potential impacts of non-agricultural development on agricultural operations and the Agricultural System and recommends ways to avoid or, if avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts.” (Greenbelt Plan and Growth Plan)."
This definition supports various policies found within the provincial plans. For example, in the Growth Plan area, Growth Plan policies for a settlement area boundary expansion direct that an AIA needs to assess impacts to the Agricultural System