Welcome Back, Stelco

[downtown_eddie_brown]

Very cool project, if it happens. I can't imagine the remediation work needed for this; Is Stelco paying for the cleanup?

[Beedok]

Seems a bit silly to have that much space dedicated to batteries and not also use it for solar panels.

[Berklon]

I don't think that's enough space for the amount of solar panels that will generate much power.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by Berklon

I don't think that's enough space for the amount of solar panels that will generate much power.

Depending on the final building configurations, many of them could have panels on the roof. This may be worthwhile especially if they end up being the large boxes in the concept renders.

The proposal for the one near Copetown is "on hold" now:
https://www.thespec.com/news/propose...amilton-region

Proposed Copetown-area battery storage project 'on hold'
Aypa Power announces 300-megawatt project paused, cancels public meeting
Petition opposing project has garnered nearly 2,200 signatures

[rdaner]

Why would you be against a battery farm? Isn't it like free money for a municipality without a lot of extra services required?

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by rdaner

Why would you be against a battery farm? Isn't it like free money for a municipality without a lot of extra services required?

From the Spec story:

The proposed BESS had drawn concern from area residents and the local councillor due to its proposed location on agricultural land within the Greenbelt. An online petition started by Michelle Lobbezoo in opposition to the project has garnered nearly 2,200 signatures.

“This proposal will turn our agricultural land into an industrial area, affecting our soil, wildlife and wetlands,” the petition reads, noting the land is zoned agricultural, on the Greenbelt and is in proximity to the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail and forests. “No long-term safety studies have been done to evaluate risks to health, air and water.”

In addition, area residents started a Facebook group to raise concerns about the project, citing the Greenbelt location and the impact on local watercourses, health impacts and fire hazard issues, among others.

In an email prior to the project being put on hold, Ward 12 Coun. Craig Cassar said while in concept, BESS technology is an excellent idea, developing on a greenfield site within the Greenbelt is an “odd choice.”

He noted the city has suddenly seen two companies come forward — Aypa and NRStor — looking for council endorsement, as that would make their bid more competitive in the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) proposal process. He noted the IESO is currently open for bids from BESS companies, with a deadline of Dec. 12.

However, Cassar said at the time he would “not support any such undertaking without a full review by staff, which would include a rigorous assessment of the suitability of the location.”

The project did not receive municipal endorsement at the City of Hamilton’s Nov. 15 general issues committee meeting.

In an interview following the announcement, Cassar said he hopes Aypa — and proponents of similar projects — come back with proposals for brownfield areas, which he said “makes a lot more sense” than the Copetown-area location.

“Battery energy storage systems are an important climate tool — it’s just location is important, as well,” he said. “Building in the Greenbelt, after we’ve just had a significant Greenbelt win with the province, doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

Had this been in a developed suburban area, I'm sure the petitioners would have raised noise, parking and traffic as issues as well.

[Beedok]

Originally Posted by Berklon

I don't think that's enough space for the amount of solar panels that will generate much power.

Probably the best way to build solar infrastructure is to use all these spaces that are bit, but not powerplant big. Because there’s a lot of those spaces around and we’re already using them. (Rather than gobbling up farmland.)