WindCharger Battery Storage
TransAlta through its wholly owned subsidiary, Western Sustainable Power Corporation, is excited to introduce Alberta’s first utility-scale lithium-ion battery storage facility located in the MD of Pincher Creek.
TransAlta has been investigating the viability of battery storage at our various wind farm locations over the past number of years. Our Summerview Wind Farm location was selected for its many desirable features, which are conducive to siting a battery storage facility of this nature.
The Project will utilize TESLA battery technology and once built will have a nameplate capacity of 10 MW with total storage capacity of 20 MWh. The Project is situated next to our Summerview Wind Farm substation on previously disturbed lands.
The Project qualified for co-funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).
ERA works with government, industry, and innovators on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, attract investment, create jobs, and secure Alberta and Canada’s success in a lower carbon economy.
On November 7, 2019, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) approved TransAlta’s application to construct and operate the WindCharger battery storage facility at the Summerview Wind Farm substation. The AUC approval was granted under decision 24454-D01-2019.
Construction of the WindCharger battery storage facility began on March 31, 2020 and reached commercial operations on October 15, 2020. Enhanced COVID-19 safety measures and protocols were implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, contractors and the surrounding community.
At a Glance
- Location: MD of Pincher Creek, 13 km northeast of Pincher Creek, AB
- Technology: TESLA lithium-ion battery
