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.
Although energy storage comes in different shapes and sizes, the lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) is the fastest emerging technology in North America and is planned to be deployed in the City of Ottawa with the Ottawa BESS 2 Project.
In 2025, the City of Ottawa established official plan and zoning provisions for battery energy storage uses in accordance with new Official Plan policy. BESS is an emerging technology using batteries and associated equipment to store excess energy from the electrical grid, which can then discharge energy in periods of high demand.
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.
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