Ottawa residents split on new rules for energy storage facilities

A city committee passed new regulations Thursday that lay out the ground rules for companies looking to build battery energy storage facilities in Ottawa, but residents are split on whether the new rules go too far — or not far enough.

Evolugen, a renewable energy company based in Gatineau, Que., is looking to build a facility in South March after its initial plan to build one in Fitzroy Harbour failed to get city approval.

The facilities are big — usually the size of several shipping containers — so they're often built in rural areas. They work by drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak hours when demand is low, and discharging it back to the grid when needed.

They're a major part of Ontario's plans to address rising energy demands, which it forecasts will increase by 75 per cent by 2050.

Ottawa's agriculture and rural affairs committee approved a report from city staff that sets out a minimum distance between the facilities and other properties, as well as how the city will approve such projects. 

150-metre setback

A few members of the public spoke at Thursday's meeting to voice their apprehension over the new rules. Courtney Argue, a rural resident of West Carleton, said she still has safety concerns such as how the facility could impact nearby water sources that residents rely on.

"It has really torn our community apart, generations are being torn apart with the dilemma of this and how it's being put on land that is used for creating forage and maple syrup production," Argue said.

According to the new rules, companies looking to build a battery facility will have to show Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) that effective fire and safety risk management has been incorporated into the design. Companies will be required to install fire prevention and suppression systems, and provide OFS with site-specific training.

It also recommends a 150-metre setback from other properties including residential buildings, daycares, places of worship and schools.

While some members of the public worry that the proposed rules don't go far enough, others argued they go too far, and fear that it will drive away energy companies from the city. 

Angela Keller-Herzog, executive director of Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability, said such battery projects are needed and that the rules were "regulatory overkill."

"We might very well make it so that the Ottawa area is completely unattractive for any energy project developer," she said.

Risks 'manageable and fairly low'

Representatives from Evolugen also attended Thursday's meeting. Geoff Wright, the company's head of development, told CBC News that he disagreed the new rules signal the city is not open for business. He also said he appreciated the concerns shared by residents.

"I'd say that there are concerns out there, but as time goes on I think people understand that the risks are kind of manageable and fairly low," he said.

The company is under contract with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to build these facilities, and has until the end of the year to gain Ottawa city council's support or else the contract will be "terminated."

West Carleton-March Coun. Clarke Kelly said his support for the project will depend on the company's ability to address residents' concerns.

"I will base my potential support for these projects... on what my residents tell me," he said.

The report will go before a separate city committee before it rises to city council on Feb. 12.