The nominal 456 MW York Energy Centre is located northwest of Newmarket, Ontario in the Township of King. Capital Power acquired its share in the York Energy Centre from Veresen Inc. in April 2017. The facility is jointly owned in a 50/50 partnership and is operated by Capital Power. York Energy Centre is fully contracted with the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator until 2032.
*456 MW facility joined owned.

Proposed Battery Energy Storage System

Capital Power and its partner Manulife are exploring the potential of installing a Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) at the York Energy Centre (YEC) facility in response to the call for new energy capacity by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). The BESS would have, at maximum capacity, an output of up to 120 megawatts on a continuous basis for four hours and be located within the footprint of the existing facility. The project would create no air emissions and would not remove any agricultural land from production.

Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”)

The BESS would store energy to help meet power demand spikes when renewable energy is not sufficient to meet load (i.e. power demand). The BESS would be charged during times when there is a surplus electricity available on the system (which generally occurs during the off-peak hours) and would discharge energy during the time of system need (which generally occurs during the peak demand). With the combination of the existing facility and the proposed BESS, the York facility will help meet increasing local and provincial demand by providing critical backup generation to the Ontario grid that is reliable (there when you need it) and flexible in support of intermittent renewable generation.

Helping meet Growing Electricity Needs – Locally and Regionally

In December 2021, the IESO released its Annual Planning Outlook (“APO”) which identified significant need for capacity at both the system and regional levels. At the system level the IESO is projecting an increasing deficit of generation capacity starting in 2025. The primary causes for the estimated shortfall are 1) an increase in load growth; 2) lack of investment in new supply; and 3) retirement and refurbishment of Ontario’s nuclear fleet.

The need is greatest in the GTA area. The deficit, with the assumption that existing generators all remain in operation and are available, reaches 5,000 MW by around 2035 and almost 10,000 MW around 2042.

Provincial and Local Regulatory Approvals Required

In addition to approvals from the Township of King, approvals will be required from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Public consultation activities will be undertaken as part of these regulatory processes.

Project Overview

• Facility type: Battery Energy Storage System
• Status: Proposed
• Location: York Energy Centre: 18815 Dufferin Street, Newmarket Ontario
• Capacity: 120MW/h
• Anticipated operational date: May 2025

Download: Community and Indigenous Engagement Plan

Community Investment

At Capital Power, we contribute to the communities in which we operate with the aim of building a sustainable future for all. We engage our neighbours, consider their interests and build real relationships. We aim to source supplies and services locally for our operations, as well as hire from the community.