The provincial authorities stated its starting pre-development work for the proposed Ontario Pumped Storage Undertaking in Meaford.
The federal government has dedicated as much as $285 million to finish an in depth value estimate and environmental assessments to find out the feasibility of the proposed venture, developed in partnership with TC Vitality (TCE) and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
In accordance with a media launch from the Ministry of Vitality, a ultimate determination on the venture will come as soon as the price estimate is full.
“With electricity demand set to increase by 75 per cent by 2050, our government is advancing an all-of-the-above approach to energy affordability and energy security,” stated Stephen Lecce, Minister of Vitality and Electrification. “The Ontario Pumped Storage Undertaking has the potential to retailer and ship clear, reasonably priced vitality for many years, representing Canada’s largest clear vitality storage venture. This venture can solely proceed following this work and the profitable approval of Bruce’s growth plans, as this storage is a vital half our bigger vitality construct out.”
The venture has been in dialogue for years, with TCE hopeful to have the ability operational by 2030.
“The power….would operate by pumping water from Georgian Bay as much as a reservoir in periods of low electrical energy demand and releasing the water again into Georgian Bay to generate electrical energy in periods of excessive demand,” a media launch from the Ministry of Vitality stated. “By harnessing water and gravity, this venture would act as a pure battery, storing clear electrical energy to make sure it is accessible when Ontario wants it most.”
The pumped station has been supported by Saugeen Ojibway Nation, the Municipality of Meaford, Metropolis of Owen Sound and Gray County Council, on the situation that it passes environmental and impression assessments.
Nevertheless, the Save Georgian Bay group has voiced opposition to the venture, citing environmental harms not simply to Lake Huron, however the Niagara Escarpment. Additionally they argue the venture’s price ticket is just too excessive in comparison with current non-emitting sources
