Project Updates

Tilbury Battery Energy Storage  was selected by the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as part of its Expedited Long-Term Request for Proposals (RFP) for storage capacity. The announcement can be found here.

All interested parties, especially local stakeholders and members of Indigenous communities, are strongly encouraged to share feedback on the project. Please contact us at: info@boralex.com.

Boralex held a public open house on this project on June 20, 2023. The information presented can be found here. 

Boralex hosted a public open house on April 30, 2024. The information presented can be found here.

Project Overview

Tilbury Battery Storage is a 80 MW, four-hour duration battery storage project in the Municipality of Lakeshore, Ontario. The project is proposed by Tilbury Battery Storage Inc., a subsidiary of Boralex Inc. in partnership with the Walpole Island First Nation.  

This project was selected by the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as part of its Expedited Long-Term Request for Proposals (RFP) for storage capacity. The announcement, which recognizes Boralex as the leading awardee with 380MW in projects, can be found here.

Once constructed, the project will help meet the energy capacity need identified by the IESO and benefit the overall Ontario electricity system. Commercial operation of the project is planned for late 2025.   

Project Details

The Tilbury Battery Storage project will consist of containerized batteries, inverters, medium voltage transformers, gravel internal access roads, buried collector and communication cabling, and a small transmission substation. The layout of the infrastructure within the project’s footprint has yet to be confirmed and will be determined through additional engineering studies, equipment procurement, and an environmental assessment. The project will connect to existing HONI infrastructure via a direct tap connection located on the project site.  

The project will provide reliable power capacity by drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak periods and releasing it back to the Ontario grid when energy demand is at its peak. The project is expected to provide significant benefits to Ontario’s ratepayers by reducing the need and cost associated with using gas-fired power plants during times of peak demand as well as helping to clean Ontario’s electricity system. 

PLEASE NOTE: The proponent name has changed from “Boralex Inc.” to “Tilbury Battery Storage Inc.” a subsidiary of Boralex Inc. The project name has changed from “Tilbury South Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)” to “Tilbury Battery Storage.” The Tilbury Battery Storage (formerly Tilbury South BESS) will be submitted into the IESO’s E-LT1 RFP in February 2023. The Tilbury North BESS will continue to be advanced for future procurement opportunities.

Project Location

Documentation

Tilbury North and South BESS Open House Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2022

Tilbury Community and Indigenous Engagement Plan

Open House Boards - November 3, 2022

Tilbury Open House Meeting Notes - February 1, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is battery energy storage?

Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems, are devices that enable energy from power sources, like hydroelectric, wind, and even the electrical grid itself, to be stored and then released when customers need power most. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars, are currently the most-used storage technology for large scale energy storage projects to help electricity grids ensure a reliable supply of energy.

Why is energy storage important?

Battery energy storage technology has a key part to play in ensuring homes and businesses can be powered, even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind has stopped blowing. The energy system must match energy supply with customer demand. Battery energy storage systems charge up when energy sources are producing more energy than customers need and discharge during times of peak demand to provide a reliable, steady supply of energy.

How does a battery energy storage system work?

Battery energy storage systems are considerably more advanced than the batteries you keep in your kitchen drawer or insert in toys and other electronics. A battery energy storage system can be charged by electricity generated from renewable energy, like wind and hydroelectric power, as well as drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak periods.

Intelligent battery software uses algorithms to coordinate energy production and computerized control systems are used to decide when to keep the energy to provide reserves or release it to the grid. Energy is released from the battery energy storage system during times of peak demand, keeping costs down and electricity flowing.

What does a battery energy storage site look like?

A site would consist of containerized batteries, inverters, medium voltage transformers, gravel internal access roads, buried collector and communication cabling, a small transmission substation, potential garage and operations and maintenance building, and connect to either a transmission system or distribution system depending on the system of the project.

What effects will this project have on the environment?

The Project will have a positive impact on the environment and fight climate change by mitigating the variability of renewable energy production and the cycling of natural gas facilities. This helps ensure the reliability and stability of the electricity grid as it fosters the penetration of renewable energies. It also helps to reduce harmful emissions as it lightens the load of traditional energy generation systems that rely on fossil fuels, such as gas-fired power plants.

Potential environmental effects will be determined during the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Minor Transmission Facilities in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA is a streamlined process for transmission projects anticipated to have a predictable range of environmental effects that can feasibly be mitigated with protection measures. More information about the Class EA can be found on the Hydro One website here.

Is energy storage clean?
Yes. Energy storage usually needs a minimal footprint and does not require pipelines for its operation. It stores energy when it is abundant and releases it when more power is needed on the grid. Moreover, it generates almost no waste or polluting emissions. As such, energy storage helps to reduce harmful emissions as it lightens the load of traditional energy generation systems that rely on fossil fuels, such as gas-fired power plants. This translates in cleaner and more reliable energy for Ontario’s homes and businesses.

Contact Us

For more information or any questions, please contact our team at:

437-421-5238
Michelle.Closson@boralex.com