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Ontario moves forward with pre-development work for pumped storage project in Meaford
The Ontario government is advancing pre-development work for the proposed Ontario Pumped Storage Project, a partnership between TC Energy (TCE) and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. If approved, the facility would be the largest of its kind in Canada, providing up to 1000MW of electricity storage – enough to power one million homes for up to 11 hours.
“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.” The proposed facility, located in the Municipality of Meaford, would pump water from Georgian Bay into a reservoir during low- demand periods and release it back to generate electricity when demand is high. This process would store clean energy for later use, helping to balance the grid. The province is committing up to $285 million to fund environmental assessments and a detailed cost estimate to determine the project’s feasibility. A final decision will be made once this work is completed to ensure the project is in the best interest of Ontario ratepayers. Ontario is also moving forward with other energy projects to meet
growing demand, including pre-development work for a new large- scale nuclear station at Bruce Power. The Bruce C expansion would provide the additional zero-emissions electricity required to support the pumped storage facility. The project aligns with the government’s broader energy initiatives, including a recent competitive procurement of battery storage. While battery storage is effective for short-term power needs, pumped storage provides long-duration capacity to maintain grid stability during prolonged periods of high electricity use. According to the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis, the
project could contribute $6.2 billion to Ontario’s GDP over its estimated 50-year lifespan, with 60 per cent of the economic impact benefiting rural communities. It is also expected to create over 1700 construction jobs during the four-year building phase.
TCE is developing the project in partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which would have the opportunity to enter into an equity partnership if construction proceeds. “The Ministry of Energy and Electrification continues to acknowledge that development of energy infrastructure will only be successful with the participation and leadership from Indigenous Nations,” said Conrad Ritchie and Gregory Nadjiwon, Chiefs of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. “This project is an overdue energy initiative with real benefits for the Indigenous people of the land.” Ontario officials and local leaders have expressed support for
the project. “It is critical to provide Ontario’s small towns and communities with confidence that our government is prioritizing energy and infrastructure so they can continue to capitalize on economic development opportunities,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. Rick Byers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, also welcomed the initiative. “As demand for energy increases, I want to thank Minister Lecce for his support and for advancing this project forward for further consideration. I also want to thank TC Energy and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation for their ongoing hard work and dedication, as we explore how this project could bring real benefits for local communities.” TCE representatives highlighted the project’s economic and energy benefits. “We appreciate the support of the Ontario government and that of our prospective partners, Saugeen Ojibway Nation,” said Greg Grant, Executive Vice-President and President, Power and Energy Solutions at TC Energy. “We look forward to starting the next stage of development with the Ontario Pumped Storage Project—a made-in- Ontario solution that will meet the electricity needs of the province and deliver local jobs and economic growth.” Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks, underscored the importance of clean energy solutions. “Ontario has one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world. Supporting the development of clean energy solutions is one of the many ways our government is building strong, resilient communities for generations to come. ”
Lesotho Katse TBM breaks ground at Lesotho Highlands Water Project phase II The Katse Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) broke ground on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) on 15 January 2025 during a ceremony at Ha Bereng, Leribe. The event was officiated by the Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Lebona Lephema, on behalf of the Prime Minister of Lesotho. This marks the first TBM-driven tunnelling in Lesotho’s highlands in over 20 years since Phase I of the project. Dignitaries at the ceremony included
representatives from the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, the Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, members of the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, the LHDA Board, project contractors, and representatives of communities impacted by the project.
The Katse TBM, named Khoiti ea ‘Ngoaha Kholo2 (The Rat Mole of 200 Years), is one of two double-shielded machines designed for the 38km Polihali Transfer Tunnel. The name was chosen following a nationwide naming competition.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister
Matekane highlighted the importance of the milestone, stating: “This milestone reflects the dedication and commitment of the government of Lesotho, the LHWC, the LHDA, and all consultants and contractors involved. I am confident that with the continued partnership and support of the government of the Republic of South Africa, we will achieve great things for both our nations.” The Khoiti ea ‘Ngoaha Kholo2 TBM will tunnel
approximately 20 metres per day, installing concrete lining segments as it progresses. A second TBM for the Polihali side is expected on-site by mid-2025. The TBMs were custom-
built by CCCC Tianhe of China and designed by Robbins. The Polihali Transfer Tunnel includes associated infrastructure such as intake works at the Polihali reservoir, outlet works at the Katse reservoir, and underwater connections to the Katse lake. In 2024, key milestones were achieved, including the breakthrough of the upper and lower intake tunnels in August and the commencement of the Polihali gate shaft excavation. The tunnel is central to Phase II of the LHWP, facilitating the transfer of 1270m3
of
water to South Africa’s Gauteng province to meet growing water demands. The project employs both tunnel boring and drill-and- blast methods. The construction of the tunnel is overseen by MSKC JV, with the M9 billion contract awarded to Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture. The project has so far created over 11,000 jobs and injected
www.waterpowermagazine.com | March 2025 | 5
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