Design

 

Incorporating state-of-the-art technologies

Protecting of the environment, local economy and way of life

TC Energy is proposing to develop an energy storage facility that would provide 1,000 megawatts of flexible, reliable energy to Ontario’s electricity system using a process known as pumped storage.

Based on feedback from stakeholders and Indigenous groups, we have completely re-designed the Project to enhance protections for Georgian Bay & near-shore environments.

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Interactive Map

Interactive map

Check out our Interactive Map to learn more about our innovative design and careful consideration for the environment, community safety and aquatic habitat.

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Project design

We are proposing a new design concept for the pumped storage project we are proposing to construct on the Meaford Tank Range. This new design responds to many of the concerns identified by the community, including protection of the environment, the local economy and way of life.

  • Buried powerhouse

    Substantially reduced visible shoreline structures and imperceptible noise.

    The powerhouse will be located away from the shoreline and will be buried in a cavern. With the major components deep underground, noise output from the pumping and generating equipment during operations are expected to be imperceptible and the visibility of the project facilities from off the base, and particularly from the water, has been substantially reduced or eliminated.

  • Water intake/outfall

    Tunneled deep water raised placement to avoid bottom-dwelling aquatic organisms and turbidity.

    The water intake/outfall will be placed away from the shoreline resulting in no shoreline or near shoreline structures and no visible in-water infrastructure. Tunnels installed beneath the lakebed will access deep water, avoiding sensitive near-shore fish habitat. The inlet/outlet structures will be raised off the lakebed to avoid bottom dwelling aquatic organisms and the potential to create turbidity.

  • Fish protection measures

    Reduced water withdrawal speeds, permanent fixed screens.

    The combination of reduced water speeds, coupled with appropriately sized screens will protect fish that may be present.

  • Environmental impacts

    We recognize that how we interact with the environment is of vital importance to you. It is to us as well. That’s why our environmental principles of stewardship, protection and performance reflect our culture and guide our decisions every day when project planning.

    To ensure the protection and integrity of Georgian Bay, TC Energy will be conducting multiple environmental studies to understand the potential impacts on important environmental values such as fish and fish habitat, water resources, wildlife and other sensitive resources.

    The studies will inform the environmental and socio-economic assessment documents supporting an application under both the federal Impact Assessment Act and the provincial Environmental Assessment Act.

Renderings

Pumped Storage Conceptual Designs

 

CCutaway above ground rendering of the project area, including key components of project design width=

Above ground rendering

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Cutaway underground rendering of the project area, including key components of project design

Underground rendering

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