Neoen is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities (Class EA for TF) for Tara BESS, a battery energy storage system (BESS) proposed for development in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.
About the Project
Tara BESS, formerly Grey Owl Storage, is a 400-megawatt (MW), 1600-megawatt hour (MWh) capacity standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) proposed for development in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, approximately 5-kilometres southeast of the Village of Tara. The project was awarded a 20-year contract by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), through IESO’s “long-term 1” (LT1) RFP procurement. Tara BESS is one of ten energy storage contracts awarded in the LT1 procurement to meet Ontario’s growing electricity needs. Tara BESS is proposed to store and discharge electricity to Ontario’s grid, adding up to 400 MW of capacity. Neoen Ontario BESS 1 Inc. (Neoen) is leading development of Tara BESS.
Study Area
Tara BESS is proposed for development on private lands located at 39 Concession Road 4, Tara, Ontario (the pictured “proposed project lands”). Tara BESS is expected to occupy a footprint of approximately 20-acres at-grade, plus approximately 450 metres of overhead transmission line and approximately five (5) steel structures to hold the transmission lines.
Tara BESS is proposed to connect to Hydro One’s existing 230-kilovolt high voltage transmission line to the south of the proposed project lands. The pictured “buildable area” represents the potential BESS development area. It is not reflective of the proposed BESS layout, and is subject to change. Details of the proposed BESS layout will be provided in a future communication.
Planning Process
Tara BESS is subject to the Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities process (www.hydroone.com/classea) in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This is a process for electricity transmission-related projects that do not generate electricity. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, subject to required permits and approvals.
About Neoen
Neoen is a leading independent power producer of exclusively renewable energy technologies, including solar and onshore wind power, and energy storage solutions. Neoen has more than 8-gigawatts of power in operation or under construction across 15 countries. Neoen owns and operate its facilities for the long-term. To learn more about Neoen, visit www.neoen.com.
Share Your Feedback
Neoen is committed to meaningful consultation. Your feedback will inform the Class EA for TF process*.
To share your feedback, ask questions, or to subscribe to the Tara BESS mailing list, please contact:
Brittany Morrison
Manager, Communication & Engagement
info@tarabattery.ca
(416) 312-0057
For more information or to share your feedback using our online feedback form, visit www.tarabattery.ca.
*Personal information included in your feedback/question, such as name, address, telephone number and property location, is collected, under the authority of Section 30 of the Environmental Assessment Act and is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public. As the information is collected for the purpose of a public record, the protection of personal information provided in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) does not apply (s.37). Personal information you submit will become part of the available public record unless you request that your personal information remain confidential.