by Renew Grid on March 17, 2014

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to procure up to 35 MW of energy storage to explore how new technologies can provide needed flexibility in grid operations. The IESO is responsible for managing Ontario’s bulk electricity system and operating the wholesale electricity market.

The system operator reports that this competitive process is designed to select and test a diverse portfolio of storage technologies. Once the projects are in place, the IESO says it will assess their capabilities in helping to balance supply and demand.

The RFP, the IESO notes, supports the government’s Long-Term Energy Plan that calls for 50 MW of energy storage in Ontario. Following the IESO’s procurement, the Ontario Power Authority will issue a request for proposals for the remaining megawatts.

It is expected that contracts will be executed by the end of June, the IESO adds.