As one of the fastest battery storage facilities, Ellwood Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is capable of injecting four megawatts into the grid in less than an hour – 41 minutes to be exact.

The lithium ion battery storage system is connected to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), which helps control and regulate the entire grid in Ontario. Whenever voltage control, power shift or supplement power is needed, the IESO can control the grid with the push of a button.

The BESS building is a relatively new concept in the renewable energy landscape.

As BESS projects gained traction in the local energy market, technical challenges came about, as regulations and codes were not fully formalized. We worked with all project stakeholders to navigate these challenges and provide the client with the best solution.

Another challenge was the high short-circuit value of the BESS due to its battery technology. We connected fuse suppliers, and code and regulation experts and consultants to develop a solution that limited the amount of current and reduce the risk to equipment.