Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Napanee Generating Station has been approved by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for expansion of their natural gas operation.
Greater Napanee council approved a report from town clerk Jessica Walters at their May 14 meeting outing an update on four proposals within the town that were made to the IESO. Atura Power, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation that operates the Napanee Generating Station, was among several power generating entities across the province to submit an RFP for expansion as Ontario looked to expand to meet increased demand on its power grid. They invited companies to submit RFPs ahead of their December deadline with the successful bids announced this month.
Atura’s successful plan is to install a natural gas fired turbine with an average contract capacity of 430MW on lands west of the existing plant at 7143 Hwy 33 on land currently owned by Ontario Power Generation.
Atura Power will be hosting an open house to answer any of the public’s questions about the expansion on May 16 at South Fred Hall from 4-8 p.m.
That was the only local proposal to gain approval while three battery energy storage systems (BESS), were not approved. All four projects were presented to Greater Napanee council in November of last year, with each earning council’s approval, which at the time was the first step towards gaining the green light from the IESO to proceed.
The proposed BESS projects were met with some objections from residents who raised concerns over the potential for fires at those facilities.
-Council voted to proclaim June as Stroke and Aphasia Awareness Month within Greater Napanee.
-Council approved an outdoor patio license for Santorini Mediterranean Grill, which will run from May 15 to Sept. 30.