Maritime Electric’s proposal to add two diesel generators in Prince Edward Island is being challenged by a recent report suggesting that a more cost-effective alternative could be a battery system. The report, conducted by Synapse Energy Economics at the request of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC), indicates that a 100-megawatt battery energy storage system might be a more economical choice compared to the generators proposed by Maritime Electric.
Energy Democracy Now, an advocacy group involved in the application process, supports the idea of utilizing battery power with storage capabilities as a more efficient solution. Brennan McDuffee, a community organizer with the organization, expressed satisfaction with the report’s findings, highlighting the potential cost savings and the ability of battery energy storage systems to optimize the use of renewable energy technologies.
According to the report, Maritime Electric’s plan to acquire and install combustion turbines would amount to $411 million, whereas implementing a battery system would cost an estimated $271 million. McDuffee emphasized the advantages of a battery storage system, pointing out its ability to store energy during off-peak hours for later distribution during peak demand, unlike combustion turbines that are limited to operating during peak hours and are susceptible to market volatility.
While the application is still under review by IRAC, Maritime Electric’s CEO, Jason Roberts, stated that they will respond to the report in due course. McDuffee reiterated the viability of a battery storage system, citing successful implementations in Nova Scotia under similar climate conditions to Prince Edward Island and emphasizing the importance of public awareness and education on renewable energy technologies for better reliability, affordability, and environmental benefits.
Overall, the report raises questions about the necessity of combustion turbines over battery energy storage systems, with advocates like McDuffee urging stakeholders to consider sustainable options that can enhance energy reliability and affordability for Islanders.