TransAlta will be partnering with the provincial government to install a new battery system near Cochrane, creating the largest battery energy storage system in Alberta, according to a provincial government release Dec. 6.
Through Alberta Innovates’ Carbon Fibre Grand Challenge, the Cochrane initiative will be one of a number of new projects to help the electricity and energy sectors reduce emissions, diversify and create jobs.
The Challenge will provide $20M in provincial funding in total for all the projects.
This investment will support nine innovative projects that will help install new battery energy storage systems and turn oil bitumen into carbon fibres, which are used to make products like aircrafts and hockey sticks light and durable, and electric cars safer and more efficient.
This investment is part of Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan and Alberta’s work to reduce emissions while growing the economy. If successful, the nine projects are estimated to reduce emissions by 280,000 tonnes each year, create more than 780 jobs and inject $272 million into Alberta’s gross domestic product by 2025.
Other projects will be announced in other parts of the province, aimed at turning bitumen into carbon fibre, further supporting the creation of value-added industries.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
