Electricity Demand in Ontario will soar in the coming years—ushering in a necessary new wave of industrial sized energy projects. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts demand will grow 75% by 2050 and Ontario needs to be prepared.
The surge is propelled by a rising population, energy‑intensive data centres, and a growing push for broad electrification. As the province enters a new energy age, renewables are being called to fill the gap—especially with the necessary move away from fossil fuel.
By 2035, data centres alone are expected to represent 13% of new demand and 4% of total demand. As a result, Industrial consumption is set to rise by 23 TWh—almost equivalent to adding a city the size of Toronto to the grid!
The province must prepare if it wants to be ready for the inevitable demand increase.
A Game Changing Solution for Electricity Demand in Ontario: Battery Storage Systems
Ontario has secured enough supply through the end of this decade and is pursuing major new generation, including nuclear. But the 2030s will be defined by timing and flexibility as much as raw megawatts. That is where battery energy storage systems (BESS) must move from supporting role to headline act.
Batteries charge when power is abundant and cheap, then discharge when energy production may not be enough to keep up with demand. This is especially crucial to fully maximize the potential of variable renewables, such as solar energy.
The proper deployment of energy storage solutions in conjunction with large-scale renewable projects can deliver sub‑second frequency response, and follow data‑centre ramps in milliseconds.
Experts already see the potential for battery storage systems to meet electricity demand in Ontario. Recent procurement projects have had significant funding focused on the procurement of energy storage systems to meet short-term energy needs.
Sited BESS can defer some transmission upgrades, provide backup for critical facilities, and strengthen local reliability—especially during extreme weather.
To match faster demand, Ontario should accelerate deployment of a diversified storage portfolio: four‑ to eight‑hour batteries for daily peak shifting, paired with pilots for long‑duration storage to ride through multi‑day lulls. Combined with energy efficiency—which already keeps provincial demand about 15% lower than otherwise—we can help build a cleaner and more stable grid.
If you want to be a part of the growing energy movement, we can help. Connect with one of our specialists to go over your solar or battery storage options.
