Non-Wire Solution to Improve Local Grid Reliability
Approved for funding in ERA’s BEST Challenge in 2019, FortisAlberta designed and built a solar PV and BESS power microgrid system. Addressing reliability concerns, the BESS proved to successfully back up the power to Waterton services by its completion in 2022.
Between 2019 – 2022, FortisAlberta demonstrated a first-of-its-kind in Alberta solution, which combined a 324 kilowatt solar PV system, a 1.5 megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and an advanced control system to provide backup power to the town of Waterton during electrical system outages. The power microgrid system is an innovative alternative to diesel generators for backup power and to the environmental impacts of secondary distribution lines. The local production of solar PV offsets energy consumption with renewable energy, while increasing power reliability. The solar generation for primary service, along with the displacement of diesel during electrical disturbances, contribute to greenhouse gas emission reductions.
This type of system could be applied to any local or remote communities where the power supply has reliability concerns and regulations allow such installations. This project is designed to demonstrate the value and encourage policy changes to permit broader deployment of this solution in Alberta.
Successfully Provides Backup Power During Outages
During the project, FortisAlberta effectively demonstrated the utilization of BESS as an alternative to a diesel generator by successfully providing backup service during an outage. Furthermore, validating the solar plus BESS system to provide reliable electricity to a remote community. Fortis developed operation and maintenance manuals and procedure documents incorporating project learning to lay the groundwork for future microgrid development. The BESS provided by Eneon ES, a local Alberta supplier, can increase the power reliability of the Town by providing up to 4 hours of backup power during peak periods. Ultimately, the system proved more economical and environmentally sustainable than constructing long distribution feeders, as well as increased clean energy usage and enhanced reliability of power services.
What’s next?
At the time of the project development, microgrid response to grid distribution in Alberta was new. The Waterton Energy Storage project demonstrated a use case for non-wire alternatives to enhance reliability in remote communities and how BESS can be used in future applications. The final commissioning of the Waterton battery backup system was completed in April 2023.
As Bill 22 passed in May 2022 allowing distribution and transmission utilities to own and operate energy storage assets, FortisAlberta seeks other locations where BESS can be utilized to address system disturbances, although no further projects have been deployed.