People can learn more about a major new battery energy storage system, Tara BESS, proposed for development at 39 Concession Road 4 in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.
Formerly known as Grey Owl Storage, the 400-megawatt (MW), 1600-megawatt-hour (MWh) system is designed to store and discharge electricity directly into Ontario’s electrical grid, providing enough energy to power approximately 640,000 households daily.
Tara BESS is among ten battery energy storage projects awarded a 20-year contract by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) through its Long-Term 1 (LT1) Request for Proposals in May 2024. This initiative supports Ontario's plan to procure 7,500 MW of power by 2050 to meet the province’s growing energy needs.
French company, Neoen, will host a Community Open House to share more information about Tara BESS and collect feedback. The event will take place at the Tara Community Centre on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with sessions from 12:00–2:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. Participants will learn about the layout of the project, battery energy storage technology, environmental assessments, and development processes. Feedback from the open house will be included in Neoen’s development applications for Tara BESS. If inclement weather arises, the event will be rescheduled for Tuesday, January 28, with notice posted locally.
This project aims to advance Ontario’s renewable energy infrastructure, by addressing future energy demands, and promoting sustainability in the province. If everything is approved, the company hopes to begin construction in the spring of 2026, and begin operations late in 2027.