Understanding Ontario’s energy-storage opportunity with Enel X: Part 4

Enel X provides a great solution for Algoma Orchards.

In this four-part article, Enel X North America discusses how electricity costs can be managed with energy storage in Ontario. This final part continues the story of how the company benefited Algoma Orchards with the right energy-storage system. Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Reducing Algoma’s grid demand

To maximize the potential savings through this program, Enel X worked with Algoma Orchards to select, finance, and install an energy-storage system that could further reduce the company’s grid demand while still powering key equipment in its facilities.

The system consists of 520 kW/1,040 kWh of capacity in lithium-ion batteries and is equipped with Enel X’s DER Optimization Software. The software analyzes all relevant energy information for the facility and the energy-storage system—including operational schedules, tariffs, demand response programs, incentives, GA and other demand charges, and battery life—and automatically deploys the energy-storage system to minimize exposure to the high costs of consuming power from the grid. For Algoma Orchards, the system automatically charges the battery system when electricity prices are the lowest on the market and then seamlessly transitions the building’s load onto the battery system when system peak events are most likely—as well as when the sites are called upon to curtail load as part of Ontario’s Demand Response (DR) programs.

Additionally, the agreement with Enel X enabled Algoma Orchards to install the energy storage system with no upfront costs and without taking on any risk in the investment. The ability to forecast the long-term value of the system enabled Algoma Orchards to enter into a benefit-sharing agreement, through which Enel X covered all hardware and installation costs upfront and keeps a percentage of the value created by the energy-storage system over the life of the agreement.

Going forward, the solution will enable Algoma Orchards to reduce Global Adjustment costs and other demand charges significantly while also earning DR payments without shutting down key equipment in its facilities. In addition to the financial impact, this approach equips Algoma Orchards to take a stronger role in supporting its community. If demand on the grid outpaces supply—which could create the risk of a blackout or other interruption to power supply in the province—the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) only options are to ramp up production from power generators that rely on fossil fuels or turn to its large energy users to curtail their load from the grid. By reducing its reliance on the grid when demand is at its highest, Algoma Orchards simultaneously contributes to efforts to maintain grid reliability in its community and helps the IESO reduce its reliance on emissions-heavy infrastructure—all without impacting product quality or production at its sites.

To discuss options for your organization, contact our team of experts today. To see how much money your organization could save with an energy-storage system, try our online energy-storage calculator tool.

For more information, contact Enel X.

• Tweet