What is pumped storage?

A clean, quiet, renewable opportunity

Pumped storage 101

TC Energy is proposing to design, construct and operate a grid-scale energy storage facility for Ontario’s electricity system. The proposed project would:

• Provide needed capacity
• Reduce electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions
• Drive local economic benefits and growth
• Provide storage for Ontario’s excess baseload generation

We will continue scheduling open houses in the community and providing opportunities for community members to provide input into, and review the outcomes of, the various environmental and socio-economic studies and assessments that will be undertaken. We are committed to keeping you updated as the proposed project progresses.

Current supply and future demand

Creating a reliable, powerful climate solution

The current installed capacity on Ontario’s electricity grid is about 39,000 Megawatts (MW). But the closure of the Pickering Nuclear Station by 2025 will leave a 3,100 MW gap in that supply. The proposed project will provide 1,000 MW of much-needed, flexible, on-demand, clean energy capacity daily, for up to 11 hours, and power one million Ontario homes.

With its long duration, long lifespan (50+ years), and fast response and start-up capability, pumped storage is the technology of choice for large-scale storage. It also has the smallest environmental footprint over its lifecycle.

We believe pumped storage is the most proven, economical and environmentally responsible solution for meeting Ontario’s unique electricity and power system needs.