metrolinx scraps eglinton crosstown gas plant for ‘innovative’ battery solution - battery energy storage system

After Metrolinx agreed to abandon plans to build gas, residents of the Dennis mountain community breathe more easily
Opened a power plant near them.
At a press conference on Tuesday at the future location of the maintenance and storage facility at Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Ontario Transport Minister Steven Del Duca and York-
The South Weston free company, MPP Laura abbonius, announced that Metrolinx will build a battery energy storage system.
The facility, which aims to provide complementary power to light rail, will improve the reliability of bus lines, reduce operating costs and reduce emissions, the province said.
"This is a dream.
This is a moment to "pinch me", "said Rick sicarelli, a member of the Dennis Mountain Community Association who attended the announcement.
He said that he and other residents have been opposed to the 18-
Since they learned at the end of 2015 about its plans to be included in the LRT facility on old Kodak land, megawatt gas plant plans.
Ciccarlli said he was concerned that emissions from the plant would have a negative impact on nearby residents.
The place to build plants is just north of Eglington Avenue.
West and Weston Road
On the west end of the light rail line, close to a single house and a pair of high-rise residential buildings.
"What we care about is the direct air shed.
People have to breathe the air, "said Ciccarrelli, who praised Albanese and local councillors Francis nuzzetta and Frank Di George for helping to put pressure on the government to make changes. The gas-
The provincial consortium Crosslinx Transit Solutions, which has signed up to build and maintain the line, should have built coal-fired plants and is expected to reduce energy costs by 40.
But in the face of community opposition, Metrolinx has been discussing alternatives to the plant for at least a year.
According to the new plan, the battery energy storage facility will be connected to the existing water and electricity network and will be charged when power is off
Peak periods of cheap energy, such as at night.
The stored energy can then be used to supply energy to crosstown throughout the day.
The battery can also provide a backup power supply in case of a power outage, which is critical for taking the train out of the tunnel and providing ventilation in case of emergency.
The province estimates that the facility will also include a 90-
Kilowatt solar panels available
Up to four hours of boot time.
Chris tirell, chief customer service and protection officer at Toronto Hydro, said power failures usually don't last that long.
Tyrell describes the battery facility as a "very innovative, creative project" that meets the needs of local residents and transport projects ".
"This community wants a different choice and a greener one," said Minister Del Duca, who rode for the provincial Liberal Party on behalf of Vaughan.
"Today, I am here to tell you that your voice has been clearly heard by the Ontario government. . .
We worked very hard, we worked very creatively, we went back to the drawings and we came back with an environment sustainable solution.
Del Duca said the government has not yet purchased new storage facilities and while operating expenses are expected to be reduced, he cannot say what the construction costs will be.
"I don't expect it to be more expensive than originally planned," he said . ". The 19-
The city line of kilometers opened on 2021.