The Government of Ontario in Canada is set to collaborate with Toronto Hydro to build an energy storage system for the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) line.

The facility is intended to provide back-up power for the LRT line and is expected to reduce operating costs, as well as improve the reliability of services.

Renewable Energy Systems Canada has secured the contract from Toronto Hydro to design and build the battery energy storage facility, which will be located at the site of the future Mount Dennis Station and LRT maintenance and storage site.

"Toronto Hydro is pleased to be part of this project, delivering an innovative, integrated energy solution that provides backup and reliable power to this important mass-transit project."

Ontario Minister of Transportation’s parliamentary assistant Arthur Potts said: “The Backup Battery Energy Storage Facility project will support the operation of the Crosstown, while addressing residents’ concerns about air quality in their community.”

The storage facility will be designed to generate energy at night and supply it the next day in order to decrease peak energy use, as well as Crosstown’s overall emissions and operating costs.

The facility can also provide emergency power to the Crosstown network during power failures to ensure undisrupted service.

Toronto Hydro president and CEO Anthony Haines said: “Toronto Hydro is pleased to be part of this project, delivering an innovative, integrated energy solution that provides backup and reliable power to this important mass-transit project.

“The battery energy storage system is an example of the kind of innovative energy solutions we need as we create the energy grid of the future.”

The 19km-long Eglinton Crosstown LRT will have 25 stations, connecting a total of 54 bus routes, three subway stations, three GO Transit lines and the UP Express.

It is expected to be completed by 2021 and will connect Mount Dennis in the west and Kennedy Station in the east.