A Proven Solution to Deliver Long-Term Grid Stability in Sault ste. marie and Ontario
Canada’s electricity demand is rising faster than ever, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are key to ensuring a more reliable electricity supply for both local Sault Ste. Marie homes and businesses, and Ontario’s grid.
Aypa Power Canada is proposing to build the Soo Reliability Project, an up to 600-megawatt energy storage project near the intersection of Great Northern Rd. and Third Line E. Using advanced technology and site-specific design, the project will safely store electricity and deliver it back to the grid when it’s needed most, strengthening the reliability of our electricty supply.
If selected, Aypa Power Canada will deliver a facility that helps meet the province’s projected 5,000 megawatt (MW) capacity shortfall by 2030. This project positions Sault Ste. Marie as the leader in establishing Canada as an energy superpower. Together, we are building a safer and more reliable electric grid for Ontario.
Project Name: Elora BESS
Nameplate Capacity: 211MW
Proponent Name: Elora BESS LP
Qualified Applicant: Aypa Power Canada Development LP
Aypa Power Canada uses state-of-the-art energy storage systems known for their safety and dependability. Here's the process in action:
An advanced energy management system oversees the equipment 24/7 to guarantee the secure, reliable exchange of energy from the grid.
During periods of low demand, like nighttime, energy is stored from the grid.
In times of high demand, stored energy is instantly released back to the grid, typically in a matter of milliseconds.
Energy is seamlessly available to homes, schools, business, and other consumers.
The Soo reliability Project WILL HELP Sault Ste. Marie RESIDENTS POWER THEIR HOMES, businesses, social services, and more AND POSITION THE REGION AS A LEADER IN CLEAN ENERGY STORAGE.
The Soo Reliability Project will be designed and operated to meet the highest safety standards, including all local, provincial, and international safety standards, with a layered fire safety plan developed in partnership with Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.
The Soo Reliability Project will create hundreds of local jobs during construction and generate significant economic activity for Canadian suppliers and businesses. A direct Community Benefits Plan with the City of Sault Ste. Marie will help ensure lasting investments that strengthen the community beyond construction.
The Soo Reliability Project will drive Ontario’s energy transition, while supporting Sault Ste. Marie's local sustainability and clean energy goals.
We’re working alongside residents, local business owners, and municipal and Indigenous leaders, to align the project with local priorities and create lasting community benefits for Sault Ste. Marie.
Aypa Power Canada projects' leading design priorities are centered on maintaining:
We invite Sault Ste. Marie residents to attend an upcoming Community Open House to engage in meaningful discussions on our shared project priorities. The event will be hosted September 18, 2025, at 6:30 pm at the Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie - 208 St Mary's River Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5V4.
Join senior members of the Aypa Power Canada team to learn more about this project and discuss our track record of increasing energy reliability while supporting local communities.
Learn more about the event: Public Community Meeting Notice
See the project timeline here: Project Timeline
Who will own and operate this project?
Aypa Power Canada will build, own, and operate this project. Aypa Power Canada is an independent power producer based in Toronto, Ontario founded with a respect for the land and its people. Our purpose is to reduce the province’s reliance on fossil fuels while improving the reliability of its power grid.
Aypa's first full energy storage project came online in Ontario in 2018 and Aypa Power Canada currently has over 25 energy storage projects operating across Southwestern Ontario.
Where will this project be located?
This project will be located near the intersection of Great Northern Rd. and Third Line E.
What is the timeline for the project?
The project is expected to begin construction in 2028 and providing energy to the grid by 2030. Please see a more detailed timeline here.
What’s being done to help the project blend in with the
Sault Ste. Marie area?
The Soo Reliability Project has been carefully designed to minimize visual impact on the surrounding area. This includes using setbacks and other screening measures to create natural buffers between the project and nearby homes and roadways wherever possible. The goal is to ensure the project blends into the landscape and reflects the character and values of the community.
How will this project support the local economy?
The Soo energy storage project will help stabilize the power grid, reducing the risk of outages and ensuring a reliable energy supply.
This will also provide significant economic benefits by the project generating direct revenue for Sault Ste. Marie, support community investments, create hundreds of local jobs during peak construction, and generate significant economic activity for Canadian suppliers and businesses.
What is the current status of this project?
The Soo Reliability Project is currently in the development phase, which will determine the final design of the project. Various studies are being conducted regarding land use, permitting, and environmental and noise assessments, to ensure this critical infrastructure investment, designed to meet stringent Ontario regulations.
Soo Reliability Project, in alignment with the IESO LT2 process, is expected to begin construction in 2028 and providing energy to the grid by 2030.
What utility regulations and international guidelines are used
to ensure safety and reliable performance?
Aypa Power Canada upholds a culture of “Safety-First.” Each of our projects comply with all applicable codes and standards for energy storage and equipment, including NFPA855, UL 9540. In addition it will comply with Provincial and National codes and standards, as well as municipal zoning and site planning regulations.
Our storage systems further incorporate a comprehensive, project-specific Emergency Response Plan (ERP), developed in direct coordination with local Fire officials and independent professional fire safety engineering organizations with expertise in energy storage safety and code compliance. A layered fire safety plan accounts for effective preventative measures and fire mitigation.
Each system is designed with redundant, fail-safe mechanisms both at the site and component level, and undergoes continuous monitoring by our 24/7 Remote Operating Center.
What are the environmental impacts of the project?
In addition to the economic benefits that the Soo Reliability Project will provide, there are also significant environmental benefits. Using Natural Resources Canada's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, the project is estimated to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions equivalent to removing nearly 60 cars from the road per charge and discharge cycle.
Utility-scale energy storage directly contributes to Canada’s climate change and emissions targets. Our facilities enable clean energy sources – including nuclear, solar, and wind generation - to store energy, helping transition Ontario’s power grid using proven, reliable technology and decarbonizing future energy production in the province.
Aypa power canada is AN INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER BASED IN TORONTO, ONTARIO FOUNDED WITH A RESPECT FOR THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE, AND WITH THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING THE PROVINCE’S RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS WHILE IMPROVING THE RELIABILITY OF ITS POWER GRID.
Aypa (pronounced as 'ai-pa'), is derived from the word for Earth in the Indigenous Quechuan language of the Andes. It represents our commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable planet for generations to come. We have a proven history of financing, developing, owning, and operating battery energy storage and hybrid projects. Our first full energy storage project came online in Ontario in 2018 and Aypa currently has over 25 battery energy storage projects in Ontario.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MUNICIPAL PROCESS
Aypa Power prioritizes a comprehensive review process for all its energy projects. Learn more about where Aypa is in this process by using the timeline below which shows the start of the process for each critical activity.
A complete review of relevant municipal, regional, and provincial planning legislation and regulations for potential project location
Aypa works directly with local interests to understand their issues and perspectives during project development. Community Engagement continues through to Commercial Operation Date.
Phase 1 assessment is conducted to determine if evidence of potential and/or actual contamination exists at the site. Any subsequent studies will be conducted if applicable.
Aypa works directly with the municipality to obtain support for the project.
A review is conducted to identify important natural heritage features and potential presence of species at risk at the project site. Mitigation measures will be recommended and implemented if applicable.
Using MECP NPC-300 guidelines, this review analyzes the project’s local noise implications, and if predicted noise impacts are shown to be above regulatory criteria, then noise mitigation measures will be identified and implemented.
Using the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism’s criteria, a potential for Built Heritage Resources and Cultural Heritage Landscapes is reviewed.
A review is done to identify and clear archeological potential and identify resources and mitigation strategies to support the project.
Aypa consults with Indigenous communities affected by the project well in advance of commencing any site work to share the project information and discuss changes to the project as appropriate, in response to concerns raised by Indigenous communities. This consultation will continue throughout the project lifecycle.
Class Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities process streamlined by Hydro One in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
Application for the County Official Plan Amendment and the Township Zoning By-Law Amendment.
Have questions about THE Project?
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Aypa Power Canada values its responsibility to serve and support local communities. We welcome your questions and feedback via the form below or by email at LT2project@aypa.com