We’re building a utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Regina. It will be the first of its kind in the province. The system will be capable of powering 20 megawatts (MW) of load for up to 1 hour. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Why Battery Energy Storage?
Battery storage technology supports our goal to reduce emissions and will be designed to withstand Saskatchewan’s toughest weather conditions. The technology will allow us to store energy from intermittent resources, like wind and solar, and deliver power to the power grid when needed.
Learn more about battery storage by watching the video below:
Our Progress So Far
In the fall of 2020, we engaged with neighbouring communities to discuss the proposed BESS plans. We selected On Power from Longueil, Quebec to supply the battery energy storage system and our contractors are installing the facility. Construction started in 2022 and should be complete in December 2023.
- Summer 2023 – Battery containers, transformers and other system components arrived on site and interconnection began. This will be followed by testing and commissioning of the system.
- Spring 2023 – Foundations, steel structures and trenches were built, and electrical work was completed in preparation for the battery containers and other system components.
- Fall 2022 – Site preparation was completed at the BESS yards. This included road and water drainage work, station fencing and installation of the grounding grid.
What to Expect
We're building the facility on land we already own at our Fleet Street switching station located in northeast Regina.
There are no anticipated traffic restrictions. There will be a few planned power outages at the Fleet Street substation to complete this work.
Respecting the Local Environment
As part of our planning process, we proactively worked with key stakeholders to understand any environmental risks or effects that needed further consideration and emergency services to support the facility.
What we do today impacts our future. We’re always working hard to reduce our impact and protect the environment.
As we plan projects, we use tools like databases, satellite imagery and field surveys to understand the environment we are working in.
As projects move forward, we’ll make sure environmental protection standards are in place to reduce our impact on features like:
- waterbodies
- sensitive lands
- wildlife and their habitats
- heritage resources
We also work with the Ministry of Environment and other regulatory agencies to ensure we meet all environmental requirements.
Project Outcomes
This project will help us understand the potential for battery energy storage in Saskatchewan. It'll help us transition to a future of:
- reduced emissions
- more renewable generation
- distributed resources
