Project Overview
The Drumheller Solar and Battery Storage Project was funded in 2019 through ERA’s BEST Challenge and combines a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installation with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) in a direct-current-coupled hybrid configuration. The project, developed and operated by Concord Drumheller Partnership, represents a significant advancement in Alberta’s transition toward a lower-carbon electricity grid by integrating energy storage directly into renewable generation assets.
Combining Solar Power and Battery Storage to Reduce Grid Emissions
The Drumheller Solar and Battery Storage Project combines a solar photovoltaic system with a lithium-ion battery in a direct current (DC)-coupled hybrid configuration, one of the first in Alberta. While the solar panels and battery are proven technologies, the project is innovative in that it integrates these technologies to capture excess solar energy and store it for use when electricity demand and prices are high. This improves the efficiency and value of renewable power while adding flexibility to Alberta’s grid. The technology reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by displacing fossil fuel–based grid electricity with zero-emission solar power. In the first reporting period (December 2023 – December 2024), the project reduced 5,291 tonnes of emissions, with cumulative reductions of more than 105,000 tonnes by 2050. The target customers are wholesale electricity market participants in Alberta, including renewable asset owners and corporate buyers seeking lower-carbon power. In addition to emissions reductions, the battery improves revenues through energy arbitrage; for example, three high-price days in May 2025 generated nearly 65 percent of that month’s battery revenue.
Adapting Solar-Plus-Storage Operations for Alberta’s Market and Climate Conditions
Overall, the project demonstrates that integrating battery storage directly with solar generation is technically viable in Alberta. In addition, several specific project activities taught the team critical lessons, guiding future activities. Initially, the team set up the battery to charge mainly from excess solar power that would otherwise be lost. However, when changing weather and cloudy conditions made that energy inconsistent, they adjusted their approach to focus more on responding to high power prices, maintaining a high state of charge ahead of anticipated price spikes. From this, they learned that the system needs a flexible operating strategy rather than relying on one ideal scenario. The project also required regular coordination between the operations team and the market dispatch team, including clearer roles and ongoing communication, demonstrating that hybrid projects require strong teamwork between technical and commercial functions. Finally, construction delays caused by winter access challenges and contractor capacity issues led Concord to take a more active oversight role, highlighting that first-of-kind projects require careful planning and hands-on management. Together, these experiences confirmed that while solar-plus-battery projects are achievable in Alberta, they require flexibility, coordination, and active problem-solving throughout development and operations.
What’s next?
After project completion in 2025, Concord continues to evaluate adding battery storage to several of its existing solar facilities in Alberta and incorporating hybrid-ready designs into new developments. The company is using the lessons from Drumheller to refine battery sizing, system design, and market strategy, with future projects expected to be larger and structured to participate in emerging market opportunities as regulations evolve. Overall, the project strengthened Concord’s internal capability to develop and operate solar-plus-storage assets at a greater scale.