What is the Quinte Energy Storage Centre?
The Quinte Energy Storage Centre is a large-scale Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) facility being developed by Hydrostor in Lennox and Addington County, Ontario. It will provide clean, reliable, and long-duration energy storage to support Ontario’s electricity grid.
Who is Hydrostor?
Hydrostor is a Canadian company specializing in long-duration energy storage solutions using Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES). The company is a global leader in this technology and is committed to enabling a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
What is A-CAES and how does it work?
Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) stores energy by compressing air and storing it underground. When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released, heated, and expanded through turbines to generate power. It’s a proven, zero-emissions technology ideal for long-duration storage. If you want to learn more, see this video.
Why is energy storage important for Ontario?
Energy storage is essential for balancing electricity supply and demand across Ontario. It enhances the efficiency of baseload nuclear generation by storing surplus energy and discharging it during peak demand. Furthermore, by reducing the grid’s dependence on fossil fuel-based peaker plants, energy storage supports Ontario’s clean energy transition and contributes to affordability. It also enables the integration of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, while strengthening overall grid reliability.
Where is the Quinte Project located?
The project spans two sites: Quinte West in Greater Napanee and Quinte East in Loyalist Township. The sites are currently being developed in tandem. These locations were selected based on geology, proximity to transmission infrastructure, and community engagement.
How much energy will the facility store?
The first phase of the project will provide 500 MW of storage capacity, which can provide power for 500,000 homes for eight hours.
What are the environmental benefits of A-CAES?
A-CAES produces zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, uses no harmful chemicals, and has a small surface footprint – typically around 100-200 acres for a 500 MW facility. It supports the transition to a low-carbon grid by enabling more renewable energy integration.
What is the timeline for the project?
The project is currently in the feasibility and development phase, including permitting, engineering, and community consultation. Construction is expected to begin following regulatory approvals, with operations commencing in 2033/2034.
How will the project benefit the local community?
The Quinte Project will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operations, generate local economic activity, and contribute to municipal revenues. Hydrostor is committed to working closely with local stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Is the technology safe?
Yes. A-CAES is a safe and proven technology—its predecessor, compressed air energy storage (CAES), has decades of operational use worldwide. Air is stored in geologically stable underground caverns, and the facility is designed with multiple safety systems and redundancies to protect people and the environment.
How does A-CAES compare to battery storage?
While batteries are ideal for short-duration storage (minutes to hours), A-CAES is designed for long-duration storage (hours to days). It offers lower lifecycle costs, greater scalability, low fire risk and no reliance on rare earth materials, making it a sustainable complement to battery technologies.
Will the project impact local water or air quality?
No. A-CAES systems are lined to ensure there is no interaction between the potable water that operates within the system and local groundwater, and they produce no emissions or air pollutants during operation. The technology is environmentally friendly and designed to meet or exceed all regulatory standards.
What kind of permitting is required for the project?
The project requires a range of municipal, provincial, and federal permits, including environmental assessments, land use approvals, and energy regulatory compliance. Hydrostor is working closely with authorities to ensure full transparency and compliance.
How is the underground cavern created?
The storage cavern is mined using conventional mining methods used in underground mines around the world for decades. The cavern is sited in impermeable rock 600-800m below the surface.
Will there be noise or visual impacts from the facility?
Hydrostor is committed to minimizing noise and visual impacts through thoughtful design, landscaping, noise mitigation measures and community input. During typical operations, the facility is expected to be about as loud as a typical conversation.
How is the project funded?
The Quinte Project is funded through a combination of private investment, the Federal Investment Tax Credit, and energy market revenues. Hydrostor partners with leading infrastructure investors to ensure financial stability and long-term viability.
How many homes can this system provide electricity to?
A 500 MW facility can supply electricity to approximately 500,000 homes for up to 8 hours at a time.
How does this project support Canada’s climate goals?
By enabling more renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the Quinte Energy Storage Centre directly supports Canada’s net-zero emissions targets and contributes to a more sustainable energy system.
How can I stay informed or get involved?
Hydrostor encourages community engagement. You can attend public meetings, or contact the project team at 613-917-0373 or by email at quinte@hydrostor.ca. We welcome feedback and questions from all stakeholders.