Letter: Reader’s thoughts on Evolugen’s open house
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor,
Yesterday, Feb. 23, Evolugen hosted an open house to brief the public and answer any questions about the South March BESS project. It was a super event. Very open, very honest, and very informative.
First, the turnout was impressive. The event was open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and, at mid-afternoon the room was pretty well packed, implying a lot of community interest. And they were there to learn, to ask questions, and to get honest, frank answers.
Second, Evolugen had brought in several of their and other experts to talk about specific aspects of the project – the plan, the why and where, design and build factors including environmental and safety considerations, and the benefits to West Carleton.
It was an excellent information session, one that could easily serve as a model as to how to properly inform and involve the public on similar issues.
I don’t have any connection with Evolugen or with any of its partners or others associated with the project. I had gone there as a supporter of BESS and when I left, I was even more convinced that I’d made the right decision. I’m all for BESS – it’s certainly right for our community.
Areas of the world have been storing energy for thousands of years, going back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans, with their water storage lakes, dams, and aqueducts. BESS does the same thing, only it stores electrical energy. At Niagara Falls, water is routinely pumped back upstream during nighttime to be reused later to generate more electricity. And, across North America, thousands of residences have chosen to be independent of the grid by opting for solar or windmill-generated power. The principle they follow using batteries to store energy when it’s available, and using that energy when it’s needed, is exactly the same as the BESS principle.
We need this technology, and we need it now. For the naysayers, I’d say just go back some 40 years or so when much of society was pooh-poohing the personal computer. Today, 40 years later. and even long before that, it’s become a necessity in our lives. Same will be true for BESS.
Only a few years ago there was a shortage of electricity in this area, and hydro customers were converted to “time of day” metering. BESS will help alleviate that shortage, rain or shine, wind or no wind. It’ll give us more energy during the day, when we need it most.
Rather than arguing with entrepreneurs like Evolugen, we should be welcoming them into our community. They’re here to offer their expertise to help us circumvent future electrical shortages.
This is a win-win opportunity for West Carleton and the greater Ottawa area. Let’s do it.
Ken Bowering,
Woodlawn.
Fires and the consequences of confined area pollution etc. appear to have been a main “against”topic for some. However, BESS is adequately monitored and Fire services trained to deal with IF there is a fire. Without consideration for world effect climate change, we face uncontrolled fires that pollute, destroy peoples lives and animal habitat. We already know this and the financial cost as well. Hectares of vital carbon storage trees as well as the wildlife the trees and plants support. The latest health report for firefighters is directly linked to their job of fighting fires. Many toxins from urban, suburban and rural spaces are absorbed through the skin. Breathing apparatus is worn but lung cancer is still a major health issue.
Plants and animals cannot fix their habitat. We, who are able to, are responsible for destroying it and so too we are responsible for doing everything we can to fix it for the generations to come. Susan B Bunge