Editor,
As time goes by the continued silence from TC Energy with respect to their proposed Pumped Storage project continues. Mr. Clark’s last letter to this newspaper and Sara Beasley’s recent communications provide no answer to serious questions: just false information with regards to Battery Storage. TCE cannot yet let us know the final plan for this boondoggle! It has only been 7 years since any tenable information has been shared with Ontario residents that asked for such: That is not transparency!
This project is a single-source project meaning that no alternative options can be included in open bidding process. It must be noted that TCE’s proposal is not the first pumped storage system proposed. Initial feasibility studies conducted circa 2010-2012 and government studies in 2014-2016 revealed insufficient return on investment for such projects on the escarpment. In 2017-2019 more community studies, feedback and opposition halted any progress.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) despite making huge advances in storage ability and cost reductions have been ignored simply because governments are stuck with this absurd “single source” bidding process handed to TCE. There are no corporations that would take on this project alone: it has been proven time and time again that pumped storage on the escarpment cannot provide an adequate return on investment. I do not argue if pumped storage works. Cost, time and efficiency makes it a poor alternative.
Time to complete this project (if it somehow is advanced further) will be 5 – 7 years after final approval in 2 or more years. Our Federal and Provincial governments, TC Energy, Save Georgian Bay, experienced engineers, Mr. Mason, Ms. Docherty and I all agree we need to expand our energy grid and increase storage as soon as possible. Globally, all countries are investing in Battery Storage and some also commencing the use of Virtual Power Plants (VPP). Corporations involved in Battery production are increasingly adapting production for high-capacity Grid-compatible battery products. Our very own Ontario company Nexstar Energy is prioritizing grid energy storage systems. Doug Ford, Stephen Lecce and our fossil fuel pipeline company TC Energy attempt to force Ontario to adopt expensive, outdated technology including Nuclear power plants. Ontarians will pay for these choices for generations while the rest of the world is developing way more efficient, way more cost-effective systems that can be operative by 2028 not 2037!
There is no argument here, just an opportunity to make a better decision and save Ontarians from hefty increases in our energy bills going forward.
Pat Maloney, Meaford
