Iroquois Falls Battery Energy Storage Project

The project will be bid into the Ontario IESO LT2 procurement for Capacity that supports growing electricity demand and economic growth in the province and helps replace aging infrastructure (like nuclear or gas plants). BESS projects store excess renewable energy and release it during peak demand helping integrate more low-cost renewables onto the network and keep reliability high.

Sites are selected based on proximity to existing grid infrastructure, minimal environmental impact, land availability. We have been working closely with the BMI Group with the aim of developing existing industrial sites that are close to existing FirstLight infrastructure. This site allows the BESS project to be located in a corner of the site behind existing transmission infrastructure to minimize visual and environmental impacts on the community

Projects are designed to minimize noise, visual impact, and traffic. The most significant impact will be during the construction phase similar to the construction of any building or infrastructure project. The project will maintain a distance of 400m from potential noise receptors and residences that will enable the project to mitigate any ongoing noise impacts.

BESS containers are fitted with HVAC to cool and climate control the batteries, a noise study and evaluation will be conducted to determine the current noise levels and the design will ensure these are not exceeded and meet the Ontario noise regulations. The BESS HVAC systems do not run 24/7

Yes. Projects will generate local tax revenue and create construction jobs. FirstLight will integrate a Community Vibrancy Fund into the project for the term of the LT2 20-year contract that wlil provide funding for local community initiatives and activities.

Safety is paramount in everything we do at FirstLight, including our development of new clean energy and energy storage projects. The BESS facility will be remotely monitored 24/7 with support from on-site staff at the Iroquois Falls generating station. It will adhere to all applicable safety codes and associated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and requirements. FirstLight works exclusively with reputable battery manufacturers whose products meet rigorous requirements listed in NFPA 855, Standards for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems. These requirements include substantial independent testing and certification to UL9540 and UL9540A standards, which are designed to evaluate the fire safety of the batteries and associated systems.

Emergency response plans are developed in coordination with local fire departments where we will also be providing a specific annual fund contributing to the training and development of fire departments and first responders throughout the life of the project. This includes providing site-specific training, developing emergency response plans, and additional equipment that might be required.

The batteries themselves do not contain any liquid that could leak or cause any environmental contamination.

Projects involving permanent stormwater infrastructure—such as a BESS project —require an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). In Ontario, energy projects must not cause off-site erosion or sediment runoff. Although the final design is still in development, it may include retention ponds or basins, and grading plans to moderate peak flows and protect downstream water quality. In Ontario, any work that impounds or diverts more than 50 m³/day triggers an ECA for stormwater under the Environmental Protection Act.

In Ontario, the permitting process requires a comprehensive assessment of both surface water and groundwater interactions. If dewatering or well‐pumping is anticipated during construction, a Hydrogeological Impact Assessment will be conducted, mapping all wells within a 250 m radius and monitoring water levels before and during site work. Any temporary water uses—such as dust suppression or panel washing—will be evaluated against the Permit to Take Water threshold of 50 m³ per day.

A Traffic Management Plan will be prepared as part of completing the municipal permits. We will model peak-hour deliveries using the Ontario Traffic Manual, and coordinate directly with the municipal roads department to secure road-occupation permits. These permits will specify allowable axle loads, approved routes that avoid schools and weight-restricted bridges, and time-of-day restrictions to bypass morning and afternoon rush hours