EPEX 2022: Ontario Petroleum Institute 59th Conference and Trade Show
Evan Tummillo (Director of Research and Vendor Relations) and Tanya Mackie (Director of Project Management) presenting at the EPEX 2022: Ontario Petroleum Institute 59th Conference and Trade Show.
London, Ontario | May 31, 2022
To view a video of the original presentation or access its transcript, click here.
The time has come for widespread adoption of energy storage technologies in Canada. Multiple levels of government have set ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction plans, to not only drive greater adoption of electrification in our daily lives, but to also ensure the electricity sector itself transitions toward a greenhouse gas free system-–Enter Bedrock.
Bedrock Energy Corp. is an energy storage project developer with a focus on large-scale grid storage solutions. Our current project, a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) development known as the Bayfield and Stanley Facility, is located in Bluewater, Ontario with the potential to power the entire region. Both of the reservoirs in Bayfield and Stanley are made of porous rock–making them the first ever of their kind, anywhere in the world. Located in close proximity to one another, these two reservoirs will be connected via a compressed air pipeline–an exciting development.
Previously, Bedrock contemplated pursuing a more traditional CAES systems configuration, referred to as a “diabatic process”. Traditional CAES systems used the adiabatic cooling process by relying on natural gas to heat discharging air. However, after a combination of environmental considerations and uncertainty related to green hydrogen adoption timelines presented issues, Bedrock reconsidered this as an option. After carefully studying alternatives and weighing their effectiveness, we honed in on an exciting solution! Taking advantage of the adiabatic process in its entirety–from compression to expansion–we have replaced intercoolers between compression stages with heat exchangers. In other words, our CAES system will recover waste heat by retaining it within a series of Thermal Energy Storage tanks (TES). When heat is needed during the energy discharge cycle, waste heat is transferred from the TES tanks into our air expander turbines where it mixes with the discharging air.
In March 2022, after listening to feedback on our method of connection between Bayfield and Stanley, Bedrock made the bold decision to connect the facilities via a compressed air pipeline1. This will preserve the surface of the land for the landowners. It will also allow Bedrock to co-locate the machinery for both reservoirs and to treat both reservoirs as one—creating even greater flexibility in meeting the demands of Ontario’s grid.
Another exciting update is related to our work with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). Because a Compressed Air Energy Storage System (CAES) in porous rock would be an innovation upon proven technology, and the first application of its kind not only in Ontario, but anywhere in the world, it is with great appreciation that we have received an amended regulation from the Ontario government to allow us to proceed. We would like to thank everyone at the MNRF for making this project possible. This amendment will ensure that there are proper checks and balances of the wells and injection programs into the reservoirs. Moreover, we will follow the established standards which are observed by any other storage facility regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. Looking towards Ontario’s Energy future, it is comforting and inspiring to see the implementation of technology which enables clean transitions without great difficulty.
Beyond the technicalities of this project, Bedrock’s Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system is dedicated to preserving its sense of environmental stewardship. Its minimal land disruption compared to other energy storage solutions, coupled with the repurposing of a natural gas reservoir, are the result of Bedrock’s enduring commitment to meeting future generations’ needs. We are fortunate to have a public service which is also committed to those same high standards.
Within the requirements of the application is a comprehensive consultation period which allows both Ontarians and Indigenous communities the opportunity to ensure environmental accountability to, and beyond Ontario’s requirements. We look forward to working with the MNRF throughout this process, to consult and collaborate with Indigenous groups, other ministries, and the public. As an emissions-free project, passing this regulation is a strong indication of a desire for the public and private sector to work together on environmental stewardship, and allowing new innovations to excel. These two crucial components will work together for the collective benefit of Ontarians.
Bedrock’s CAES project is a testament to an emerging era. One where established industry can help drive an innovative transition. Where a methodical Public Service continues to develop its framework to ensure the advancement of projects, such as ours, serving the public interest. One where Ontarians can enjoy the benefits of grid scale, reliable energy storage that is built to last for decades to come.
Footnote
- In the original presentation I described a 60 inch pipeline. Bedrock has since amended the pipeline assumptions to be a 48 inch pipe to Bayfield, and 42 inch to Stanley.
