Project designed to allow more solar generation on local grid
July 16, 2020, Niagara-on-the-Lake – Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro is pleased to announce that it has installed a 250 kW lithium-ion battery in a test of how to support more solar generation on its distribution system. This investment is being made with the support of the Smart Grid Fund of the Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Inc. and with the co-operation of Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.
Distribution systems can handle limited renewable generation on their lines after which power quality becomes compromised. This project is designed to test and measure how additional capacity can be created for more renewable generation using data analytics and a distributed energy resource based lithium-ion battery technology. The battery has been installed at the Bob Cheriton York Station and is directly connected to the M1 distribution line which supplies the communities of St. David’s and Queenston.
The Smart Grid Fund sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines is supporting the project with a $118,151 grant. Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada is providing the battery solution and Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery will be providing customer specific data from their new solar plant.
“There are a considerable number of solar power installations in Niagara-on-the-Lake and three of our seven feeder lines are already near capacity.” said NOTL Hydro President Tim Curtis. “This project is a step towards relieving this capacity and providing all our customers with the option to install solar power.”
“Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada is pleased to support NOTL Hydro in their innovative Smart Grid Fund project.” said Mauro Godinho, General Manager at Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada. “The idea that battery energy storage can be used to unlock further renewable integration is the very reason we believe that batteries will play an integral role in the future of our electricity system.”
About Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Inc.
Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Inc. is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Panasonic provides reliable and bankable, end-to-end turnkey solutions, enabling all the required elements for energy storage initiatives, including full installation and maintenance services.