Ontario Premier Doug Ford, flanked by his energy minister and leaders of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, broke ground Wednesday on a new battery energy storage facility in eastern Ontario, dubbed Canada’s largest.
The facility, called the Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage System, will be built in the community of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, approximately 80 kilometres south of downtown Ottawa.
Battery energy storage systems take in and store electricity when demand on the grid is low and release it back to the grid when demand increases. Ford says, once complete, it will store enough energy to power nearly 400,000 homes when needed.
The project is being developed in partnership between Potentia Renewables Inc. and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
“It’s amazing. When everyone works together and our First Nations communities have an equity partnership, things get done and we’re unstoppable,” Ford said.
Chief Greg Sarazin says the project is an example of what can happen when First Nations are not just stakeholders, but owners and leaders in the transition to green energy.
“Together, we are building something extraordinary. A project that stands as the largest battery energy storage system that the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan has ever invested in, so far,” he said.
“Projects like this one show what can be achieved when First Nations and industry come together in the spirit of respect, transparency and shared purpose. They show that reconciliation is not only words, it’s about action, opportunity and shared prosperity.”
The premier said building the country’s largest battery energy storage system is part of ensuring Ontario’s position as an energy superpower.
“Every province, every state, and every governor I speak to, every senator, they need our power. Every jurisdiction in the world needs our power,” Ford said. “All these folks are scrambling right now to generate power and ensure that power is affordable.”
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce added Ontario is doing “big things” in the world of power generation.
“Ontario is building big and for future generations as we lead the largest nuclear and energy storage expansion in Canadian history,” said Lecce. “With shovels in the ground on Canada’s largest battery storage facility, our government is proud to support Canadian workers, Indigenous communities and affordability for all Ontarians.”
The province says the facility will create up to 300 jobs during construction and additional operational positions afterwards.
The facility is expected to be operational in 2027.
