The provincial government said its beginning pre-development work for the proposed Ontario Pumped Storage Project in Meaford.
The government has committed up to $285 million to complete a detailed cost estimate and environmental assessments to determine the feasibility of the proposed project, developed in partnership with TC Energy (TCE) and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
According to a media release from the Ministry of Energy, a final decision on the project will come once the cost estimate is complete.
“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,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “The Ontario Pumped Storage Project has the potential to store and deliver clean, affordable energy for decades, representing Canada’s largest clean energy storage project. This project can only proceed following this work and the successful approval of Bruce’s expansion plans, as this storage is a critical part our larger energy build out."
The project has been in discussion for years, with TCE hopeful to have the facility operational by 2030.
"The facility....would function by pumping water from Georgian Bay up to a reservoir during periods of low electricity demand and releasing the water back into Georgian Bay to generate electricity during periods of high demand," a media release from the Ministry of Energy said. "By harnessing water and gravity, this project would act as a natural battery, storing clean electricity to ensure it's available when Ontario needs it most."
The pumped station has been supported by Saugeen Ojibway Nation, the Municipality of Meaford, City of Owen Sound and Grey County Council, on the condition that it passes environmental and impact assessments.
However, the Save Georgian Bay group has voiced opposition to the project, citing environmental harms not just to Lake Huron, but the Niagara Escarpment. They also argue the project's price tag is too high compared to existing non-emitting resources