IESO announces nine new energy storage projects, will add 16.75 megawatts in capacity
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Storage to reduce grid congestion and give renewable resources a boost
MILTON, Ont—Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator will be boosting its grid with 16.75 megawatts in new energy storage capacity.
Ontario’s grid operator has announced it has offered contracts to five companies for nine separate energy storage projects ranging from solid batteries to compressed air systems.
“The energy storage market is maturing,” Bruce Campbell, president and CEO of the IESO, said. “Now that we have completed our two-phase procurement process for a total of 50 MW of new energy storage in Ontario, we look forward to having these facilities up and running. These projects will help us better understand how energy storage technologies can support the operation of the grid by providing much needed quick response and operational flexibility.”
Following a competitive Request for Proposal process, the IESO selected systems from Ameresco Canada Inc., SunEdison Canada Origination LP., NextEra Canada Development & Acquisitions Inc., NRStor Inc., and Baseload Power Corp.
The grid operator said the projects include four solid batteries, which represent 8 MW; four flow batteries that will provide 7 MW; and one compressed air system, representing 1.75 MW.
“Storage technology remains one of the most innovative and exciting aspects of our energy policy, particularly because of the incredible potential it presents. It will help strengthen our system and improve service to electricity consumers,” Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, said. “Our government is proud to see the leadership of these five Ontario companies as they move forward to create good jobs and invest in their local economies.”
With the potential to “transform” how the IESO plans and operates, the grid operator said its energy storage systems can reduce local congestion in transmission and distribution networks, allowing utilities to defer, or even avoid, expensive system upgrades. The new technologies will also help optimize the performance of renewable resources, integrating cleaner technologies into Ontario’s grid.
