Minister of Energy Backs South March Battery Energy Storage Project Amid Community Controversy

Minister of Energy Submits Letter in Support of South March BESS
*Special to WC Online*
June 4, 2025

OTTAWA – On April 15, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Stephen Lecce, who represents King-Vaughan, sent a letter to Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressing his support for Evolugen’s proposed South March Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility. In his correspondence, he urged the city not to impose overly burdensome approval and permitting processes that could hinder regional growth.

This week is pivotal for the BESS project, as the city’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (ARAc) is set to make a decision on June 5 regarding a recommendation for a Municipal Support Resolution for the 250-megawatt project based on Marchurst Road. The project has sparked considerable debate within the West Carleton community, garnering both strong support and significant opposition. It is anticipated to play a vital role in stabilizing the province’s electricity grid.

The South March BESS is planned to occupy 10 acres of private land, utilizing lithium iron phosphate batteries housed in approximately 230 shipping containers, each equipped with fire suppression and heat monitoring systems. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) of Ontario granted approval for the project last year, contingent upon Evolugen obtaining a Municipal Support Resolution from the City of Ottawa, as municipalities are responsible for siting approvals.

West Carleton Online obtained Lecce’s letter on June 4. In the letter addressed to Mayor Sutcliffe, Minister Lecce acknowledged the recent updates to the city’s official plan and zoning bylaws aimed at managing the future placement of BESS facilities. He expressed gratitude for exempting major utility providers like Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One from the new regulations, while suggesting that all BESS proponents should also receive this exemption to ensure fairness and stimulate investment.

Lecce underscored the pressing demand for energy solutions such as battery storage, especially as Ontario is projected to face an electricity shortfall starting late this year and continuing into next year. He pointed out that BESS can help meet the rising demand in key areas like Ottawa by enhancing grid stability, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based peaker plants.

The Minister cautioned that overly complex or restrictive municipal approval processes for BESS projects could threaten regional growth and the province’s broader energy objectives. He noted that electricity demand is expected to rise by 75 percent by 2050. Lecce specifically highlighted the South March BESS project, emphasizing the importance of timely municipal approvals to meet IESO contractual deadlines.

The full letter is as follows:

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Dear Mayor Sutcliffe,

I understand that the City of Ottawa has updated both its official plan and zoning bylaws through an official plan amendment (OPA) and zoning bylaw amendment (ZBA) process to provide a land-use policy framework for the future siting and location of BESS facilities. I want to express my appreciation for designating several utilities, including Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One Networks Inc., for an exemption. I encourage you to extend this exemption to all BESS proponents to ensure a level playing field.

After more than a decade of stable electricity supply, and at times, a surplus, the IESO forecasts that Ontario will experience a capacity need beginning in 2025/26, which will increase through the latter part of the decade, including in the Ottawa region. To support energy needs in the Ottawa region and eastern Ontario, our government has prioritized the construction of a new 230 kV transmission line from Dobbin Transformer Station to Clarington Transformer Station, which should help alleviate some constraints that could otherwise limit future load growth in the Ottawa area. The IESO is also undertaking bulk system planning in eastern Ontario and has identified the City of Ottawa as a key focus area in their planning.

While transmission expansions address local reliability, new generation and/or storage resources will be essential to maintain local reliability in a cost-effective and timely manner. BESS facilities are one type of technology that will aid the city and province in meeting their electricity needs. Battery storage systems play a crucial role in Ontario’s electricity system by offering flexibility and resilience. They help balance supply and demand, particularly during peak hours, by storing excess energy when demand is low and releasing it when needed. This reduces reliance on traditional peaker plants, enhances grid stability, and is vital for the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Municipalities that create overly onerous or prohibitive approval and permitting processes for BESS projects risk jeopardizing their region’s growth and undermining the province’s ability to meet forecasted electricity demand, which is expected to increase by 75 percent by 2050. If the province cannot address the grid’s capacity needs with battery storage systems, it will compromise the overall cleanliness of Ontario’s electrical grid and increase costs for ratepayers.

The city’s proposed requirement for a site-specific zoning bylaw amendment for each BESS project will significantly prolong the approval process, jeopardizing current contractual obligations with the IESO. If the city opts to require site-specific zoning bylaw amendments for BESS projects, we request that these planning applications be reviewed and approved promptly before key IESO contractual deadlines (e.g., Jan. 8, 2026), specifically for the South March BESS site. We appreciate that a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR) is also necessary for this project.

I would be happy to discuss this matter further with you.

Sincerely,
Stephen Lecce, Minister

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One comment on this article states:
“I would like Minister Lecce to contact me to discuss the location of the proposed South March BESS project.”