Project update - Atura Power’s proposed Buffalo Ranch BESS project was not awarded a contract by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). While the project will not be developed because of this decision, Atura Power continues to monitor Ontario’s evolving electricity needs and may submit Buffalo Ranch BESS in a future IESO procurement window.
We appreciate the support of the City of Dryden, Indigenous communities and members of the public who engaged with Atura Power on this project.
Project Overview
Atura Power, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), is proposing to build the Buffalo Ranch Battery Energy Storage System (Buffalo Ranch BESS), an energy storage system, in the City of Dryden, Ont. Buffalo Ranch BESS will be located at 188 Lyle Rd., Dryden. Once constructed, BESS will have the capacity to store and output up to 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Ontario's system for up to eight hours.
Responding to Ontario's Growing Electricity Demand
Ontario is entering an accelerated pace of electricity demand growth primarily driven by industrial growth, energy-intensive data centres, an increasing population and electrification. According to the latest annual forecast from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), electricity demand in Ontario is anticipated to grow 75 per cent by 2050.
To prepare for future electricity demands and support a reliable system for Ontarians, the IESO initiated the Long-Term 2 Request for Proposals (LT2 RFP) to secure new electricity resources that could be in service by 2030.
The proposed Buffalo Ranch BESS project will increase electricity storage capacity, support system reliability, and help advance Ontario’s path to a low-carbon energy future. Energy storage systems store surplus electricity during periods of low demand, generally during the evening. This energy can then be released into the provincial system when demand is high, usually during daytime hours.
Project Details
| Project Name: | Buffalo Ranch BESS |
|---|---|
| Proponent: | Buffalo Ranch BESS Inc., an affiliate of Portlands Energy Centre L.P., doing business as Atura Power |
| Location: | City of Dryden, Ont. |
| Generating Technology: | Battery energy storage |
| Maximum Capacity: | Up to 200 MW for up to eight hours |
Committed to Engagement
Atura Power is committed to engaging with Indigenous communities, municipalities, regulatory agencies, the public, and others through the LT2 process and beyond.
Atura Power held a public meeting on July 15, 2025, at the Best Western Plus Dryden Hotel & Conference Centre (349 Government St., Dryden, Ont.) and shared information about the proposed project and answered questions.
The information shared at the public meeting is found below, under the Project Documents section of this webpage.
Please use the Contact Us form to ask us questions or share comments about the company or project.
Understanding the Process
Atura Power is proposing Buffalo Ranch BESS through the IESO LT2 procurement process. Proposals for the Capacity stream are due to the IESO in December 2025.
Atura Power will complete an environmental assessment and obtain necessary permits and approvals prior to construction if awarded an LT2 contract by the IESO. Engagement with interested parties will continue through the next phase of the project.
Timeline
Below is Atura Power’s preliminary project timeline:
Project Documents
Project documents will be posted here as they become available. Please use the Contact Us form below to let us know if you require an alternate format for any documents.
Buffalo Ranch Solar Project
The property where Buffalo Ranch BESS will be located may also host a proposed solar-generated electricity project. More information can be found at aturapower.com/buffalosolar.
Contact Us
Comments and information regarding this project are being collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments received will become part of the project record.
