Photo by Emily Chatwood / MBC News
Greater Napanee council has unanimously supported an expanded battery energy storage project proposed by Hydrostor.
Council voted in favour of the Quinte Energy Storage Centre at its Oct. 13 meeting.
The project’s planned capacity will increase from 500 megawatts to 650 megawatts, providing 5,200 megawatt-hours of storage. The proposed site will also grow from 80 to 95 acres.
The changes are expected to increase the project’s community benefits fund from about $1 million to $1.3 million annually.
Noise was a key concern during the discussion, including the potential combined impact of multiple battery storage facilities in the area. Town staff said anticipated noise levels are not expected to change and noted that provincial authorities oversee environmental permits related to noise.
Municipal support allows the project to bid to the Independent Electricity System Operator. However, the vote does not approve construction. The project must first secure a contract, followed by further municipal review.
