Battery storage facility similar to this one in California is being considered for Fort Frances. Credit 3BLMedia/Ernesto Sanchez

Fort Frances town council is showing their support for a battery storage project.

Council approved a resolution at their meeting on Monday.

SB Energy US Holdings One, Bioveld Energy Ventures and Brothers Marketing Inc. are proposing the facility at the former mill lagoon property.

It is also proposing a similar project for Sault Ste. Marie.

Municipal Planner Cody Vangel says council’s support will help the proponent as they seek a contract with Independent Electricity System Operator.

“Part of the proposal’s ranking criteria is there can be additional points received for proposals if they get municipal endorsement or municipal support,” says Vangel.

The project details were outlined to council last month.

Another Proposal for Former Mill Lagoon Property | 93.1 The Border (931theborder.ca)

If the submission to the IESO is approved, the $300 million project could create 35-40 construction jobs.

Vangel says the development would likely be under site plan control.

“Any construction would take place under the Ontario Building Code, which would dictate requirements for hydrants, fire suppression, etcetera,” says Vangel.

Support of the project by town council is timely.

Last week the province announced it was accepting the IESO’s recommendation on battery storage and approving the agency to seek out projects to store a combined 1,500 megawatts of stand-alone energy storage resources.