Ontario Breaks Ground on New Battery Storage Project in York Region to Power 120,000 Homes

YORK REGION, October 16, 2024 — Ontario has officially broken ground on a groundbreaking energy storage project in York Region that will play a pivotal role in delivering affordable, reliable, and clean energy to the Greater Toronto Area. The York Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), once completed, will store and release 120 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power 120,000 homes.

As the province moves to meet rising energy demands driven by population growth, new homes, and electrification, this project is one of several initiatives to expand Ontario’s clean energy grid. “Energy demand is rising here in York Region and across the province,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Our government is moving forward with an ambitious plan to generate and store more affordable, reliable, and clean power for families, farms, and businesses.”

The York BESS is part of a larger initiative to make Ontario a leader in battery energy storage. Earlier this year, the province concluded Canada’s largest battery storage procurement, securing approximately 3,000 MW of energy storage, enough to power 3 million homes. Capital Power, one of the companies selected to spearhead this initiative, will manage the York BESS project, which is expected to be fully operational by August 2025.

Caroline Mulroney, Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe, emphasized the importance of such projects in supporting growing communities: “Building affordable, clean, and reliable electric generation for our growing communities in Northern York Region and South Simcoe is essential. The York BESS will ensure our electricity system remains one of the cleanest in the world.”

Benefits of the York BESS Project:

• 120 MW of Clean Energy Storage: Enough to power 120,000 homes, this battery storage system will help balance Ontario’s grid by drawing electricity during off-peak hours and releasing it when demand is high.
• Supporting Population Growth: The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts a 75% increase in electricity demand in Ontario by 2050, making projects like the York BESS critical to the province’s future energy needs.
• Efficient and Clean Energy: The project will help reduce strain on the grid while contributing to Ontario’s leadership in clean energy, which already boasts one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world.

Avik Dey, President and CEO of Capital Power, highlighted the importance of this initiative in supporting Ontario’s economy and environmental goals: “With our York Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), we’re deploying balanced power solutions that enhance grid reliability and support Ontario’s thriving economy. Flexible solutions like natural gas and battery energy storage are critical for the province’s future.”

Ontario’s Broader Energy Plan

The York BESS project is part of Ontario’s broader energy strategy to meet the growing demand for power while maintaining affordability. The government is investing in multiple energy solutions, including nuclear and hydroelectric power, new transmission infrastructure, and the expansion of renewable energy storage capacity.

Key Initiatives in Ontario’s Energy Plan:

• Nuclear Energy: Advancing nuclear power, including four new small modular reactors at Darlington and ongoing work at Bruce Power and Pickering.
• Hydroelectric Investments: Over $1 billion is being invested in hydroelectric projects, including the refurbishment of the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station in Niagara Falls.
• New Transmission Lines: Expanding transmission infrastructure in Southwestern, Northeastern, and Eastern Ontario to support industries like electric vehicle (EV) production and clean steel manufacturing.
• Energy Efficiency Programs: Launching new programs in 2025 to help families and businesses reduce their electricity usage and save on energy bills.

In addition to these projects, Ontario has launched the largest competitive energy procurement framework in its history, securing up to 5,000 MW of new power. This framework aims to keep up with the province’s growing energy demands, while ensuring that Ontario continues to lead in clean, reliable, and affordable energy.

Quick Facts:

• The York BESS will store and release 120 MW of electricity, enough to power 120,000 homes.
• The IESO predicts a 75% increase in electricity demand in Ontario by 2050 due to population growth, electrification, and new infrastructure.
• Ontario’s 2024 competitive energy procurement framework aims to secure up to 5,000 MW of new power for the province.

With projects like the York BESS, Ontario is positioning itself as a clean energy leader, ensuring the province’s power grid is ready for the future while keeping costs low for consumers. The government remains committed to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, and battery storage is set to play a central role in this vision.