AECOM’s First Hydropower Project in Canada

Electricity systems facing rising demand increasingly need storage that can hold power for hours, not minutes, and pumped storage remains one of the most established technologies for delivering it at scale. 

Global engineering and professional services company Worley has appointed AECOM to support the next phase of development of the proposed Ontario Pumped Storage Project (OPSP), a long-duration energy storage development planned for Meaford, Ontario. 

The project is expected to provide approximately 1,000 megawatts of generation capacity and 10,600 megawatt-hours of storage.

A landmark for long-duration storage

Pumped storage works by moving water between reservoirs at different elevations, storing electricity when demand is lower and releasing it back to the grid when it is most valuable. 

AECOM will join the Worley-led team supporting the OPSP through its next phase of engineering and planning, contributing to a project intended to make more effective use of Ontario's existing and future generation resources as demand for reliable, flexible power continues to grow.

“Ontario is entering a period of significant electricity demand growth, making long-duration energy storage increasingly important to a reliable and flexible electricity system,” says Richard Barrett, Chief Executive of AECOM's Canada region. “The OPSP represents an opportunity to apply proven technology at a scale that can help meet the province's future electricity needs.”

What AECOM will deliver

Within the Worley-led team, AECOM's scope centres on the technical foundations of the project. Its contributions include:

• Supporting advancement of the project's underground works
• Developing the project's hydraulic systems
• Optimising design for constructability and operability
• Contributing to cost and schedule development
• Supporting risk assessment and other engineering activities

That scope draws directly on AECOM's longstanding hydropower experience and growing global expertise in pumped storage. The project is designed to give Ontario greater electricity system flexibility for decades to come.

Building local and global expertise

The OPSP team brings together several organisations, each contributing a different part of the project's development. 

“The selection of Worley and its partners marks another important step forward for the OPSP,” says Mike Bagale, Vice President of Projects, Ontario Pumped Storage Project at TC Energy, the developer behind the project. “As we continue advancing project development, we are pleased to welcome Worley, EllisDon, and AECOM to the team. Their combined expertise will help strengthen project planning and engineering activities while supporting Ontario jobs, Canadian businesses, and domestic supply chains.”

AECOM’s key business partners:

TC Energy 

TC Energy is the developer behind the Ontario Pumped Storage Project and the client organisation coordinating its overall development. The Canadian energy infrastructure company is advancing the project through engineering, planning and regulatory stages, engaging Worley, EllisDon and AECOM to support delivery.

Worley

Worley is leading the engineering team supporting the OPSP's next development phase, having engaged AECOM to support underground works and hydraulic systems design. A global professional services company, Worley coordinates the combined engineering, cost estimating and project readiness activities across the team.

EllisDon

EllisDon is a Canadian construction company working alongside AECOM as part of the Worley-led team on the OPSP. With deep roots in Ontario, EllisDon supports project planning and readiness activities while helping create opportunities for local workers, contractors and suppliers.

Saugeen Ojibway Nation

The Ontario Pumped Storage Project is proposed for development within the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, TC Energy's prospective partner on the project. Discussions between the parties centre on a potential co-development and joint ownership arrangement should the project proceed.

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

The IESO is Ontario's electricity system operator, reviewing aspects of the OPSP including a potential long-term revenue framework and cost recovery agreement. Its involvement reflects the regulatory process the project must navigate alongside its engineering development.