Image: Saint John Energy, Facebook
Saint John Energy hopes to take steps toward producing clean, cheaper electricity with its new, giant battery.
Last week, the utility received its 1.25-megawatt lithium-ion Tesla battery, the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The battery will be integrated with Saint John Energy’s artificial intelligence control program, which will help reduce monthly peak demand.
“This sort of large-scale battery is crucial to our power system if we want to truly deal with climate change and take full advantage of renewable energy,” said Bill Marshall, a power sector consultant and former Director of Strategic Planning with NB Power, in a blog post for Saint John Energy back in August.
Saint John Energy will invest approximately $1.5 million on the new utility-scale battery. If the utility can save up enough off-peak energy and then use it during peak times, it says there are potential savings up to $200,000 a year. If it meets that target, the battery will pay for itself in seven-and-a-half years.
The battery would also play a role in the Burchill Wind Project proposed for Spruce Lake Industrial Park. At times when the wind farm doesn’t generate enough energy, the battery will supplement that with its stored clean energy.
“Saint John Energy will be able to store clean, cheap intermittent wind power, releasing it onto the grid at peak times, when demand is greatest, such as the morning and evening rush,” said Marshall.
“Instead of combustion-fueled backup plants having to be fired up to meet peak demand, stored green energy can flow. It’s good for the environment AND the economy. Over time, there’s no doubt the battery will help lower power costs for consumers.”
A version of this story was published in Huddle, an online business news publication based in Saint John. Huddle is an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
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- Image: Saint John Energy, Facebook
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- Image: Saint John Energy, Facebook
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- Image: Saint John Energy, Facebook
