Town of Greater Napanee Council met on October 8 to discuss the next steps for Atura Power’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project. Approved in fall 2023, the 250-megawatt facility will be built next to the Napanee generating station on Highway 33.
Michael Nobes, General Manager of Growth and Expansion, explained that the council needs to remove the holding symbol to begin construction. Nobes assured that all safety and service requirements, including fire protection and geo-technical studies, have been addressed.
Councillor Michael Schenk raised concerns about the project’s impact on the surrounding area. He expressed worry about potential noise pollution and the visual effect of the facility along Highway 33. Schenk, who lives five miles away, noted that previous promises of noise control at the Atura facility were not fulfilled.
In response, Nobes assured council that a large berm, at least seven metres high, would help block the view of the facility. He also confirmed that noise levels would stay within provincial limits. If any complaints arise, they will be handled by the Ministry of the Environment.
Construction for Phase One of the project is expected to begin soon.
Written by Ted Smith