Dear Editor,
In January, the Ontario Government announced its investment of up to $285 million to advance pre-development work for the Ontario Pumped Storage Project, positioning it as a key initiative in their “all-of-the-above approach to energy affordability and energy security.” This investment signals the pivotal role that energy storage will play in ensuring Ontario has a resilient and secure electricity grid.
The international political climate of the past few months underscores the growing need for Ontario to bolster its energy security and economic self-sufficiency via “made-in-Canada” clean energy infrastructure. One of the most promising solutions lies in the integration of pumped hydro storage technology into Ontario’s energy grid.
Despite the strong rationale for the Project as noted above, let us be clear – the Project will only proceed after successfully advancing through a comprehensive regulatory process. The Project will be evaluated on its environmental, social, and economic impact. The established regulatory process provides for extensive engagement with residents, rights-holders and key stakeholders – providing opportunities for all parties to review and test TC Energy’s plans in a public forum. This comprehensive review will ensure that all necessary precautions are in place and that the Project complies with the highest safety and environmental protection standards in Canada.
That said, our commitment to environmental protection is not just a regulatory requirement, it is a core value that guides every stage of our work. As we advance the Project, we do so with a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Meaford and the surrounding communities. Since introducing the Project in 2019, we have engaged with community members to build trust and align the Project with community values and needs. Community feedback has played a critical role in shaping the design of the Project, with environmental protection at the forefront.
As energy demand continues to rise, the need for reliable solutions has never been more urgent. Environmental protection and energy development are not mutually exclusive – they are, in fact, inseparable pillars of a sustainable future. Ontario’s clean energy future depends on bold, responsible action. Ontario Pumped Storage can support the province’s energy needs while upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
Respectfully,
John Mikkelsen, P.Eng. M.A.Sc.
TC Energy
