Made-in-Ontario Pumped Storage will enhance province’s energy supply mix

Rhea-AI Summary

TC Energy Corporation (TRP) to advance Ontario Pumped Storage Project with Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Government of Ontario. The Project aims to support Ontario's long-term plans for clean economic growth and create 1,000 well-paid unionized jobs.

Insights

Energy Economist

The Ontario Pumped Storage Project, as outlined by TC Energy, is poised to play a significant role in the energy sector's transition towards a more sustainable and reliable electricity system. The partnership with Saugeen Ojibway Nation underlines the increasing trend of involving Indigenous communities in large-scale infrastructure projects, which can lead to more inclusive economic benefits and foster social license to operate. The emphasis on a 'made-in-Ontario' solution leverages local supply chains, potentially boosting the provincial economy and reducing dependencies on external resources.

The project's alignment with Ontario's long-term economic growth and clean energy objectives may offer a stable revenue framework, which is crucial for investor confidence. However, the capital allocation cap of $6-7 billion post-2024 set by TC Energy will require strategic financial planning to maximize return on investment while adhering to budget constraints. The projected job creation and local sourcing are beneficial, but the long-term success hinges on the project's ability to deliver cost-effective storage solutions and integrate seamlessly with the existing grid infrastructure.

Market Research Analyst

The announcement regarding the Ontario Pumped Storage Project indicates a strategic move by TC Energy to diversify its portfolio and tap into the growing demand for renewable energy storage solutions. Pumped hydro storage technology is a proven method for balancing grid demands and its development can make TC Energy a key player in the renewable energy sector. The potential long-term revenue framework being discussed with the Ministry and the OEB can provide a more predictable business environment, which is often welcomed by investors.

From a market perspective, the project's timeline, with construction beginning later in the decade and service commencing in the early 2030s, suggests a long-term investment horizon. The market will be watching for the pre-development report due by July 31, 2024, which will be critical in assessing the project's feasibility and financial viability. The focus on local job creation and supply chain involvement could resonate positively with investors who are increasingly valuing corporate social responsibility and local economic development.

Legal Expert

The legal aspects of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project involve navigating regulatory approvals, establishing a revenue framework and negotiating a cost recovery agreement with the IESO. The collaborative approach with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation is a strategic move that aligns with contemporary practices of Indigenous engagement and consent, potentially mitigating legal risks associated with land use and environmental concerns.

TC Energy's commitment to providing a detailed report on development costs and schedules to the Ministry is a crucial step in transparency and accountability, which can help in expediting the regulatory process. However, the requirement for Cabinet approval and a Ministerial directive for funding development costs introduces an additional layer of governmental oversight, which could impact project timelines and create uncertainties for stakeholders. The legal framework established for this project could serve as a precedent for future energy infrastructure developments in Ontario and beyond.

Government of Ontario outlines next steps on Ontario Pumped Storage Project

TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) announced today that it will continue to advance the Ontario Pumped Storage Project (Project) with its prospective partner Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and begin work with the Ministry of Energy (Ministry) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), to establish a potential long-term revenue framework for the Project. Further, TC Energy and Saugeen Ojibway Nation will assist with the Ministry’s evaluation of the Project’s broader societal and economic benefits.

This decision comes after direction from Ontario’s Minister of Energy (Minister) to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), outlining next steps related to the Project including a cost recovery agreement. Subject to an agreement with the IESO, this direction from the Minister will facilitate the continued development of the Project, that if constructed, will support Ontario’s long-term plans to grow the economy and build a sustainable, reliable and clean electricity system.

TC Energy and Saugeen Ojibway Nation look forward to continuing work with the Ministry, the IESO and the OEB to advance this Project, which will play an important role in accelerating the province’s ambitious plans for clean economic growth.

The Ontario Pumped Storage Project represents a made-in-Ontario solution – it will be designed, engineered, and built by a domestic supply chain. During construction, the Project will create 1,000 well paid, unionized jobs and over 75 per cent of the total materials and supplies will be provided by Ontario-based companies.

The Project remains subject to the approval of TC Energy’s board of directors and Saugeen Ojibway Nation. It is expected that construction for the Project would begin in the latter part of this decade with in-service in the early 2030s, subject to receipt of regulatory and corporate approvals. Further, any future capital allocation decisions will align with TC Energy’s net capital expenditure limit of $6-7 billion post-2024.

QUOTES
“The Minister’s direction to advance this Project is a strong signal that the work TC Energy and Saugeen Ojibway Nation are doing is important. It recognizes the critical role that pumped hydro storage will have in enhancing the diversity of Ontario’s supply mix and achieving a net-zero electricity grid.”

—        Annesley Wallace, Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Corporate Development and President, Power and Energy Solutions, TC Energy

“The Minister continues to acknowledge that electricity development will only be successful with the participation and leadership from Indigenous Nations. The Ontario Pumped Storage Project is a long overdue energy initiative with real benefits for the Indigenous people of the land.”

—        Conrad Ritchie, Chief, Saugeen First Nation and Gregory Nadjiwon, Chief, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation

NEXT STEPS

• TC Energy will begin immediate work with the Ministry and the OEB to establish a potential long-term revenue framework for the Project, culminating in a report to the Minister by July 31, 2024.
• Further, TC Energy will provide a report to the Ministry with a breakdown of estimated development costs and schedule. Following submission of these items, the Ministry will provide a recommendation to proceed with pre-development work within 45 days.
• Following this, TC Energy would begin negotiation of a cost recovery agreement with IESO to recover eligible, prudently incurred expenses associated with pre-development work. A follow up report is to be provided to the Ministry by the IESO within 60 days of submission of the estimates.
• TC Energy will also provide further information to assist with the Government’s assessment of the Project’s societal and economic benefits.
• A final decision to fund development costs associated with the Project would be subject to a Cabinet approval and a future Ministerial directive to the IESO to execute the agreement with TC Energy.

About TC Energy
We’re a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, we’re taking action to make that energy more sustainable and more secure – while innovating and modernizing to reduce emissions from our business. Along the way, we invest in communities and partner with our neighbours, customers and governments to build the energy system of the future.

TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "intend" or other similar words). Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management's assessment of TC Energy's and its subsidiaries' future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

Media Inquiries:
Media Relations
media@tcenergy.com
403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859

Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
investor_relations@tcenergy.com
403-920-7911 or 800-361-6522

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/d3218782-3585-4867-ae35-ea040c411a76

 

FAQ

What is TC Energy Corporation (TRP) announcing?

TC Energy Corporation (TRP) is announcing that it will continue to advance the Ontario Pumped Storage Project with its prospective partner Saugeen Ojibway Nation and begin work with the Ministry of Energy and the Ontario Energy Board to establish a potential long-term revenue framework for the Project.

What is the goal of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project?

The goal of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project is to support Ontario's long-term plans to grow the economy and build a sustainable, reliable, and clean electricity system.

What are the expected benefits of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project?

The Project aims to create 1,000 well-paid, unionized jobs during construction and accelerate the province’s ambitious plans for clean economic growth.

When is the construction of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project expected to begin?

Construction for the Project is expected to begin in the latter part of this decade with in-service in the early 2030s, subject to receipt of regulatory and corporate approvals.

What are the next steps for TC Energy and the Project?

TC Energy will begin immediate work with the Ministry and the Ontario Energy Board to establish a potential long-term revenue framework for the Project, culminating in a report to the Minister by July 31, 2024.