Over 700 MW of Energy Storage Projects Announced as Next Step in Canada’s Largest Energy Storage Procurement to Date

16 May 2023

Today the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) announced seven new energy storage projects in Ontario for a total of 739 MW of capacity.

The announcement is part of the province’s ongoing procurement for 2500 MW of energy storage to support the decarbonization and electrification of Ontario’s grid, which was originally announced in October, 2022.

Electricity demand in Ontario is expected to grow substantially in the next two decades, due to economic development and the predicted shift of many fossil fuel-reliant industries to electricity as part of the ongoing efforts to decarbonize. Energy Storage can support decarbonization efforts, storing excess low-cost energy – often from renewable sources – for later use. Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO of the IESO stated the IESO “recognize(s) the vital role energy storage plays in the decarbonization effort and in ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.”

“At Energy Storage Canada we’re excited to see the IESO’s announcement of more than 700 MW of energy storage projects as the next step in Canada’s largest energy storage procurement to date,” said Justin Rangooni, Executive Director, Energy Storage Canada. “Energy storage is a flexible and sustainable means of managing and operating Ontario’s grid in a safe, reliable, and efficiency manner as the province, and Canada more broadly, undergo the current energy transition. We’re pleased to see the province of Ontario leading the way and we look forward to seeing additional projects announced in the coming months.”