A 15-acre battery energy storage system proposed for Elora was met with concerns from several council members at a Centre Wellington meeting this week.

The proposal from Aypa Power would have the system located on privately owned land next to an existing Hydro One transmission line at Second Line and Guelph Road.

Coun. Jennifer Adams had several questions for the developer. She voiced discomfort among other things about how the development would fit in with a particular plan.

"We've been talking about the secondary Fergus plan and we know that's going to be increased density. A lot of homes coming to that area if approved," Adams pointed out.

"I just want to make sure that they were aware of that. I was happy to hear some of their response in terms of what they had done in Ajax, and so I'm looking forward to finding out more information on that," she added.

Adams also wanted to ensure environmental factors had been taken into consideration.

"In my research of how you dispose of batteries, it can have a big environmental impact, and so, I just wanted to hear more about that from them," Adams said.

"I wanted to hear their assurances that everything would be done in a way to not have a harmful impact," Adams said.

Several other councillors including Mayor Shawn Watters voiced issues with things like cleanup cost and a need to consult with the Indigenous community.

The storage system would bring about six full-time jobs after construction, and 200-300 during the projected three-year setup effort.

Staff will prepare a report before deciding whether or not to go ahead with the development that has no established cost at this point in the process.

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