ELORA BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) PROJECT by Elora BESS LP

Project Information: At Time of Engagement

The Elora BESS Project, a 211MW energy storage facility, is designed to effectively store and provide energy to the grid as needed by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). This project has a primary goal to assist the grid’s reliability by storing energy during periods of low-demand and releasing it during peak demand, ensuring a consistent power supply.

• The project was selected by the IESO under the Long Term 1 (LT1) procurement, at the direction of the Ministry of Energy, as part of the largest energy storage procurement in Ontario’s history.
• The Elora BESS Project is named after the Elora Gorge, a prominent natural feature local to Centre Wellington Township.
• BESS facilities help deliver energy efficiently and will be one of the key technologies to decarbonizing Ontario’s energy supply as well as meeting future clean energy demand.
• Aypa Power puts safety first, advancing a layered fire safety approach and meeting all local, national and international safety codes and standards
• Technical environmental assessments are currently underway and must meet Ontario standards for permitting approval
• The chosen EPC contractor will use commercially reasonable efforts to hire qualified Indigenous applicants who meet the job qualifications and experience required and engage Indigenous-owned businesses like A6N for project-related services.

Community Engagement Timeline

• November 2023
  • IESO released the RFP for Long Term Reliability Services
• December 2023
  • Secured SNGRDC shareholder support to submit bid
• December 2023
  • Proposal submission to IESO
• May 2024
  • IESO announced successful bids
• June 2024
  • SNGRDC and Aypa Power executed definitive agreements
• July 2024 – August 2024
  • Six Nations Community Investment Review period
• June 2024 – April 2027
  • Technical studies and construction
  • Elora Archeology Assessment Stage 1-2 – currently in review by MECP
  • Elora Cultural Heritage Assessment – in progress, target completion November 30, 2024
  • Elora Natural Heritage Assessment – completed
  • Elora Noise Impact Assessment – completed
• May 2027
  • Elora Energy Storage Project expects to be commercially operational

Project Location

• The Elora BESS Project will be on rural land in Wellington County
• Nearest intersection is Hwy #6 and 2nd Line, Elora, ON
• The project is in the Haldimand Tract
• 88 kilometers away from the Six Nations Territory

Community Engagement Timeline

• July 2, 2024 – Initial Release of Information via www.snfuture.ca
• July 2, 2024 – Community Commentary period opens
• July 20, 2024 – Community Investment Review
• July 25, 2024 – Community Investment Review
• August 9, 2024 – Community Commentary period closes

Community members are invited to submit their online comments via the SN Future Platform, via email at [email protected] or during our Community Investment Review.

Community Investment Review Date

Saturday, July 20 – 10:00am-1:00pm

Thursday, July 25 – 5:00pm-8:00pm

Recorded session of Saturday, July 20th – Available Here

Recorded session of Thursday, July 25th – Available Here

Project Highlights and Community Benefit Structure

• On average will yield $1.2 million annually for the Six Nations Community*
• Construction phase will create 200-300 jobs with a focus on local employment
• Reduce approximately 1.8-2.45 million tonnes of carbon emissions*
• Six Nations archeological monitors have been engaged and have been on site
• $500,000 commitment to Grand River Post Secondary Education Office*
• Will offer substantial savings to Ontario ratepayers*
  *Over the 20-year contract