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Convergent Energy and Power and Alectra Energy Solutions have joined forces in a joint venture to develop energy storage systems that have been selected by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
Under IESO, the companies will build and operate three battery energy storage systems to enhance the Canadian province’s electricity grid. Convergent and Alectra will install a substantial 80 megawatts of energy storage capacity across the strategic locations. Specifically, this venture includes a 20 MW facility in Guelph and two facilities in Vaughan, boasting capacities of 20 MW and 40 MW, respectively.
Addressing Ontario’s Emerging Energy Needs
This collaboration is in response to IESO’s long-term request for proposals, which aimed to bolster capacity services via new and expanded electricity resources, starting in 2025. Construction of these battery energy storage systems is anticipated to commence in 2024.
Ontario is currently undergoing a period of evolving electricity system requirements driven by surging demand and the retirement and refurbishment of existing power plants. The IESO’s request for proposals encompassed energy storage solutions capable of storing excess energy during surplus periods and supplying energy when it is most needed.
The Convergent-Alectra collaboration for battery storage systems intends to only contribute to the province’s minimal utilization of fossil fuels. As Ontario’s grid is approximately 92% decarbonized, the energy stored and discharged by these batteries will predominantly consist of clean, renewable power.
Alectra serves approximately 1 million homes and businesses across a wide service area covering 17 communities, including cities such as Brampton, Mississauga, and Vaughan. Convergent Energy was established in 2011 with the intention of providing reliable and sustainable energy systems. In 2011, the deployment of battery storage for supporting the electric grid, particularly at commercial, industrial, and utility scales, was a relatively new concept.
Now, the partnership between these two companies has the potential to increase grid reliability and resilience, and these battery systems will help reduce Ontario’s reliance on fossil fuel generation.