IESO, TTC partnering on big battery power grid project

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is investing $4.3 million, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), City of Toronto and PowerON are investing $10.3 million in two projects that will explore ways that large batteries can help subways and electric buses reduce peak demands and strain on the electricity system.
The IESO projects that electrification of Ontario’s transportation sector will grow an average of 20 per cent a year for the foreseeable future. The IESO says this presents to them the challenge of meeting increased electricity demand – as well as the opportunity to use new technologies to create dynamic solutions to meet long-term energy needs.
As the statement from IESO explains, batteries can store energy during periods of low demand and then supply it during on-peak hours. This reduces electricity costs and can help avoid grid infrastructure upgrades.
Additionally, the IESO’s Grid Innovation Fund will invest in pilot projects such as these ones to enable local forms of supply to contribute to the sustainability and affordability of the power grid.
IESO believes that these projects have the potential to promote transportation electrification, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support local community sustainability goals.
The TTC already has the largest fleet of battery-electric buses in North America, and will transition its fleet in line with the City of Toronto’s TransformTO target of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
“There is so much potential for public transit systems to use electricity not just to reduce emissions, but also contribute back to the grid. As Ontario’s electricity demand is forecast to grow year over year, the IESO is looking at ways to tap into these local resources to help keep the local and provincial grid reliable and sustainable,” said Lesley Gallinger, president and CEO of the Independent Electricity System Operator in a statement.