Enel X to launch 76.7-MW distributed energy aggregation pilot project in Ontario

Enel X Srl, the advanced energy services arm of Enel SpA, is partnering with the Independent Electricity System Operator and the Ontario Energy Board for a battery storage and demand response aggregation pilot project in Ontario.

It is one of the four projects launched by IESO, OEB and local electricity distributors and technology companies to increase the community's engagement in providing for their own energy needs.

Historically, several distributed energy resources, or DERs, were excluded because they were too small to enter the IESO administered markets under the current rules, Enel X said in a March 30 news release.

The pilot project aims to demonstrate the advantages of aggregating DERs of varying sizes. Under the project, Enel X will aggregate up to 76.7 MW of energy load across 14 sites that have behind-the-meter battery storage and demand response capacity.

The IESO's Grid Innovation Fund is investing C$3.3 million in the pilot project, according to the news release.