PROJECT
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Fawcett River Telecommunications
ATCO upgraded an existing, isolated dieselpowered telecommunications tower in Fawcett River, Alberta which supports the transmission electricity network, to an off-grid solar-andstorage microgrid system. ATCO will own and operate 35kW PV solar array and 96kWh lithium ion battery storage, and microgrid control system to provide reliable power to the telecommunications tower. This project eliminated an annual diesel consumption of 26,000 litres. ATCO continues to pursue clean energy opportunities within existing operations.
The lithium ion battery and microgrid controls are critical to system reliability stabilizing the system during fluctuations of solar output. Furthermore, the battery will store excess renewable energy produced during sunny days in the spring and summer to provide power during the night. Other benefits include improved air quality, reduced noise, increased road safety as a result of reduced diesal tanker trips and overall energy efficiency for the site.
CoE 2020: Electricity Innovation • Canadian Electricity association
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