The IESO Long-Term RFP

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The IESO Long-Term RFP

After more than a decade of strong supply, Ontario is entering a period of emerging electricity system needs, driven by increased demand, the retirement of the Pickering nuclear plant, the refurbishment of other nuclear generating units, as well as expiring contracts with other generation facilities. In response to these system-wide reliability needs, the IESO has launched a series of procurements, commencing with the “Expedited Long-Term 1 and Long-Term 1 Request for Proposals” (the “E-LT1 RFP” and “LT1 RFP”), which aims to acquire capacity services from New Build and expansions to existing electricity resources starting in 2025.

The IESO has concluded the evaluation and award of Proposals for the E-LT1 and LT1 RFPs. The Alectra Convergent Development JV was successfully awarded three energy storage projects totaling 120MW through the E-LT1 RFP process, and is currently in the process of implementing these projects to provide capacity to the IESO. These lithium-ion battery-based energy storage systems will reduce Ontario’s dependency on fossil fuels, increase the reliability and resiliency of Ontario’s electric grid, and support the growth of Ontario’s economy.

While previous procurements have focused on capacity, which seeks to provide resources to meet grid demand specifically during peak hours, there is also a need for increased energy supply throughout the year. To meet these needs, the IESO has initiated the second long-term RFP (LT2), which will seek to procure about 2,000 MW of energy-producing resources.

The Alectra Convergent JV is grateful for the partnership of the local and indigenous communities who have supported and continue to support our projects. We remain committed to engaging and collaborating with these stakeholders in future developments. Details pertaining to new project development activities, including any upcoming public engagement sessions will be provided on this page as they are scheduled.

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Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS, are rechargeable batteries that are capable of storing energy from different sources or during off-peak hours and dispatching it onto the electricity grid when needed. BESS constitute one of the most reliable, sustainable and cost-effective solutions to Ontario’s electricity system need; by charging from Ontario’s clean nuclear and hydroelectric generation overnight, a BESS can provide emissions-free generation during periods of high demand. BESS can also be deployed quickly – unlike traditional transmission and distribution system upgrades. These systems also have the capability to improve grid stability and provide backup power in some applications.

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The Alectra Convergent Development Joint Venture (JV)

With a track-record of safe, reliable BESS development experience in Ontario, the Alectra Convergent Development JV was pre-qualified by the IESO to participate in the LT1 RFP. As part of the expedited long-term RFP process, the JV was awarded 3 projects for a total of 80 MW / 320 MWh, including:

The IESO is currently procuring 2200 MW in additional resources, through the LT1 process to be online by 2028. For this phase of the procurement process, the Alectra Convergent Development JV is proposing up to 9 energy storage projects. These solutions will vary in size and location and will provide capacity service to Ontario’s grid for a minimum of 20 years.

Only proven Tier 1 equipment suppliers will be used in the projects proposed by Alectra Convergent Development JV.  Long-term capacity guarantees from the system integrators will backstop every system. Specific power density and system efficiencies vary slightly and may impact system footprints and other project specific information provided below.

Safety is a main component of these installations. Tier 1 suppliers include safety in all aspects of their designs from the individual battery cell design, to factory installed connections between cells, up to system level battery monitoring systems (BMS) that incorporate the latest in multi-level fault detection, isolation, and protection features.  These systems produce no direct air or water emissions, and noise emissions are generally lower than that of the nearby public roadways. Environmental studies will be performed at each site to ensure there will be no adverse impacts to all adjacent properties and surrounding areas.

Community Benefits

Jobs and Economic Development:

  • Deploying BESS enables faster and more affordable electrical connections for new commercial, industrial and residential development; it’s a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional poles and wires infrastructure and will support job creation throughout the province.
  • By enhancing access to electrical capacity, these BESS will allow cities and municipalities to be more strategic in realizing their economic development goals when sourcing large industrial and commercial projects.
  • Additionally, the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of these BESS will create local jobs.

Reliability and Resiliency:

  • New local energy storage assets have the potential to reduce outages in the community during extreme weather events and improve restoration timelines when outages do happen.
  • The distributed nature of the BESS proposed by the Alectra Convergent Development JV will provide the ability to quickly and reliably support voltage, regulate frequency and provide capacity – all essential needs of any electricity system.

Environmental:

  • New storage capacity will reduce Ontario’s need to rely on gas generation in the coming years. Battery storage is emissions free and generally charged by non-emitting power such as hydro, nuclear and renewables generated at off-peak times.

Proposed Projects

Coming soon

Public Info Sessions

Coming soon


Alectra Convergent Development LP
161 Cityview Boulevard 
Vaughan, Ontario L4H 0A9
ContactUs@alectrasolutions.com
(905)798-3523