Convergent Energy and Power and Alectra Energy Solutions’s JV has been selected by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to build and operate three battery energy storage systems with a combined capacity of 80MW.
The Convergent/Alectra projects include a 20MW facility in Guelph and two facilities in Vaughan, a 20MW and 40MW facility respectively.
The systems are expected to increase the reliability and resiliency of Ontario’s electric grid while reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation.
Convergent and Alectra Energy Solutions responded to the IESO’s expedited long-term request for proposals, which aimed to add capacity services from new and expanded electricity resources starting in 2025.
Construction of the systems is expected to begin in 2024.
Ontario is entering a period of emerging electricity system needs, driven by increased demand and the retirement and refurbishment of existing power plants.
To address these needs, the IESO’s recent request for proposals included energy storage, which can store energy when there is a surplus and provide energy supply in times when it is needed most.
Because Ontario’s grid is effectively ~92% decarbonized, the power supply that the batteries will store and discharge will be almost entirely clean.
Tremor Temchin, head of Canadian operations at Convergent Energy and Power, said: “Ontario is a leader when it comes to carbon-free electricity generation, and we are pleased to be a reliable partner to the province’s residents and utilities.
“Alectra Energy Solutions shares our desire to address the challenge of increasing energy demand by investing in the clean energy transition.
“We look forward to working with the IESO to ensure the province has the resources it needs to continue being a leader in renewable energy generation.”
Ammar Nawaz, vice president of distributed energy solutions at Alectra Energy Solutions, added: “We’re committed to bringing proven solutions through innovative partnerships and advanced technologies.
“As energy demands increase, battery storage systems will serve as an efficient means of supporting an effective as well as clean energy transition in the communities we serve.
“Sustainable solutions like these are central to Alectra’s commitment to assist in addressing Ontario’s long-term energy goals.”