Ontario OKs backup power contract for Eglinton Crosstown light rail

Ontario and electricity provider Toronto Hydro have awarded a contract to Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. to design and build a battery energy storage facility for the future Eglinton Crosstown light-rail line.

The facility will store energy generated at night during off-peak hours and supply energy the following day to reduce peak energy usage. The facility also will provide emergency power to Crosstown line in the event of a power interruption, according to a press release issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

The plant will be located at the site of the future Mount Dennis Station and light-rail maintenance and storage facility.

"The backup battery energy storage facility project will support the operation of the Crosstown while addressing residents' concerns about air quality in their community," said Arthur Potts, parliamentary assistant to the minister of transportation.

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Ontario announced plans for the battery storage facility in March 2017.