Green Energy Project proposed at Paris Landfill site

Public Open House scheduled for November 16th to introduce the proposed 100-Megawatt Battery Energy Storage Project

By Casandra Turnbull

Acompany specializing in renewable energy is partnering up with Brant Municipal Enterprises (BME) with plans to construct a battery energy storage facility in Paris. The first step of this Green Energy project, called the Brant Battery Energy Storage Project, is an endorsement from the municipality, via Brant County Council With municipal support it can continue through a rigorous submission process with the Independent Electricity System Operators (IESO).

The Resolution for municipal support was before the Policy Development Committee on November 7th . Boralex, a Quebec based company specializing in wind, solar, hydroelectricity and storage, wants to construct a battery energy storage facility on part of the former Paris Landfill site The facility will connect to an existing Hydro One transmission line located on Powerline Road and will create on-demand energy into the provincial electricity grid. Boralex’s long-term reliability project is proposing an up to 100-megawatt battery storage which would be operational by 2028. The site and project align with BME’s strategic objectives to leverage unused or underused county land to generate revenue and provide renewable energy or decarbonizing projects that assist in reducing the county’s carbon footprint

BME will lease approximately 15.5 acres from the County of Brant Paris Landfill site, approved by County Council on October 24th. BME will then sublease this land to Boralex, should the project be awarded

The County, through BME, will receive lease payments for the use of lands, along with a Royalty payment in line with other Community Benefit Agreements signed for renewable and battery storage projects.

The project will provide reliable power capacity by drawing and storing energy from the grid during offpeak periods and releasing it back to the Ontario grid when the energy demand is at its peak

The Policy Development Committee report, prepared by county staff, also stated that thorough studies, including a 4-season environmental impact study will be completed prior to the construction of the project to mitigate any potential conflicts. A significant investigation of environmental matters with the overall project will be completed for the approval by outside agencies (e.g., GRCA, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks).

If council endorses the project, that doesn’t mean it’s awarded. Municipal support is just one step in a long process outlined by the IESO. Boralex has until December 12, 2023, to submit its application. Full approval is not expected until sometime in 2024

In a letter mailed to residents this week, Boralex Manager of Environment & Community Relations, Anjali Purohit, said the success of the project depends on the involvement and support from the community.

A public open house to provide more information about the project is scheduled for Thursday, November 16th at the Brant Sports Complex from 4 pm to 8 pm. Boralex will have a team of experts on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the project’s technical and environmental aspects.

Councillor Steve Howes was pleased there’s an open house to give more background on the project as he stated the average resident of Brant knows little or nothing about this endeavour.

Councillor Lukas Oakley said the project ties in nicely with the County’s Climate Action Plan, especially now as they prepare to update the plan originally adopted in 2019.

“It’s great to see an underutilized piece of county property going towards a green energy project like this and I hope to see more in the future,” said Oakley.

Lions Club of Paris donates to Legion’s Poppy Fund

During a Lions Club of Paris meeting on November 7th, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Paris were guests of honour. After hearing a presentation about the local Legion branch and its current Poppy Campaign, the Paris Lions Club donated $500 towards the fund. Pictured left to right is Paris Legion President Donald MacLeod and Paris Lions Chief Rod Laframboise

Lions Club of Paris Photo