3 FAQs about Ottawa energy storage equipment

Is Ottawa looking at regulatory changes around battery energy storage facilities?

Ottawa is looking at regulatory changes around these types of facilities. (Ross D. Franklin/The Associated Press) UPDATED: City councillors unanimously approved the new rules for battery energy storage facilities at their meeting on Feb. 12, 2025.

Can a battery facility be built in Ottawa?

According to the new rules, companies looking to build a battery facility will have to show Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) that effective fire and safety risk management has been incorporated into the design. Companies will be required to install fire prevention and suppression systems, and provide OFS with site-specific training.

How do energy storage facilities work?

The facilities are big — usually the size of several shipping containers — so they're often built in rural areas. They work by drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak hours when demand is low, and discharging it back to the grid when needed.

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