TransAlta requested approval from Alberta regulators to build a 180 MW/360MWh battery energy storage facility on land that is part the Ghost Hydro-electric plant near Cochrane in Alberta.
According to the utility, Phase 1 will be constructed and energized by 2023. Phase 2 will be built in Phase 2. The estimated cost of the project is C$120 million ($95million). The second phase could be in service by 2025.
TransAlta stated that the final layout and configuration of the battery storage system’s battery energy storage system is still in flux and will be finalized after a battery manufacturer has been selected.
The existing Ghost Hydro-electric facility would provide electricity to charge the battery facility when there is less demand. It would then be discharged to maintain grid stability during higher demand.
The majority of equipment on site will be individual battery modules. However, it will also include medium voltage step-up transformers and switchgear. The distribution line will connect to the substation at either 13.8 kV, or 34.5 KV.
The 56 MW Ghost hydroplant is one of four TransAlta plants located on Bow Mainstream System. This is part the Bow River Electric System. Ghost Reservoir was created by the Ghost plant, which stores water to generate electricity. The Ghost plant generates 173,000 MWh annually on average.