On our isolated grid, one of the largest challenges we face is meeting large demands for electricity (known as peak demands) during winter months, when water levels are low and customers need for electricity is high. That’s why we have liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel engine generators. We turn to them when there’s not enough water to generate the electricity Yukoners need.
With a new battery on our grid, we can store extra electricity when there’s low demand for it and then use it when demand goes up.
Other benefits of a grid-scale battery storage system include the following.
- Saves money. Running diesel engines less means less money is spent on expensive diesel fuel and maintaining diesel engines.
- It’s a sustainable solution. The battery uses more renewable electricity and less diesel to meet peak demands for power.
- Restores power outages faster. By always being “on,” the battery serves as a quick and easy source of electricity that can be turned on at the flip of a switch in a power outage.
- Cuts carbon emissions. The new battery is expected to reduce carbon emissions in Yukon by more than 20,000 tonnes between 2023 and 2043.
- Improves grid reliability. Using the battery during sudden outages or an unexpected decrease in electricity demand helps ensure grid stability.
- Maximizes the output of our hydro resources. Using the battery to meet sudden changes in the amount of electricity Yukoners need means we don’t have to rely on our hydro units to do this. We can generate more hydro power than before.