Ontario Completes One of Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Projects On-Budget and Ahead of Schedule
Press Release
May 19, 2026
Napanee Battery Energy Storage System will power up to 250,000 homes during peak demand
NAPANEE — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the Ontario government is delivering on its plan to provide reliable, affordable and clean energy to power the province’s growing economy and communities. Today, Minister Stephen Lecce announced the successful completion and start of commercial operations of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), on-budget and approximately five weeks ahead of schedule.
The 250-megawatt (MW) facility is capable of powering 250,000 homes for up to four hours during peak demand periods and is one of the largest operating battery storage projects in Canada, marking a major milestone in strengthening Ontario’s clean electricity grid. The project, valued at $600 million, was selected through the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Expedited Long-Term 1 (ELT-1) competitive procurement, which was launched by the government in 2022, and supported the single largest battery procurement in Canadian history.
“Ontario is building the infrastructure needed to power growth, protect jobs, and keep energy reliable and affordable for families,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “The completion of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System is a major step forward in strengthening our clean electricity grid and securing eastern Ontario’s energy future. This project will help power up to 250,000 homes in eastern Ontario during peak demand, support three highly-skilled jobs and reinforce our plan to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant province.”
With Ontario’s electricity demand forecasted to grow by up to 90 per cent by 2050, offsetting periods of high demand and extreme weather periods is crucial to maintaining grid reliability and delivering long-term value to ratepayers while maximizing all the province’s energy infrastructure. The Napanee BESS includes 284 battery storage units, transformer stations, transmission connection facilities and ancillary components that will store electricity from Ontario’s nuclear facilities during periods of low demand and return that stored power to the system when demand is higher. The project leveraged the province’s made-in-Ontario supply chain through 72 medium voltage transformers, built at Stein Industries in London, Ontario that were purchased via Nbisiing Power, an Indigenous-owned business operating in Nipissing First Nation.
“It is fantastic to see this battery storage facility come to operation, on time and on budget,” said Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington. “As the province grows its electricity production capacity, this region is a key part of that expansion. With a mix of traditional generation, alternative power generation, and battery storage, we are well situated for the power demands of the future. I want to thank the Minister of Energy and Mines, IESO, and OPG for this great investment in Hastings Lennox and Addington.”
Development and construction of the Napanee BESS supported 120 jobs, including skilled trades, engineering, transportation, and equipment manufacturing roles. The completed facility has created new good-paying jobs and is supporting three existing positions, bringing long-term operations, maintenance and technical employment opportunities to the region.
This achievement follows the successful completion of the Darlington refurbishment, also on-time and under-budget, further cementing Ontario’s global leadership in nuclear energy. At a time of U.S. tariffs and growing economic uncertainty, these made-in-Canada energy projects are creating jobs, adding value to the economy, and supporting Canadian workers and supply chains. The Darlington refurbishment alone is expected to add $90 billion in economic benefits and supports 14,200 good-paying jobs across the province. As Ontario expands, its nuclear and hydro expansion will play an important role in driving efficient storage technology. In a world of uncertainty, the government is doubling down on Canadian nuclear technology and workers, with 96 per cent of investment benefiting Ontario’s supply chain. An industrial advantage that Canada is among only six nations that own civilian nuclear technology, and number one in the world for building, operating, and refurbishing projects on-time and on-budget.
Building the largest battery storage fleet in the country supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario and is a key part of Energy for Generations, the government’s long-term approach to ensuring the province has the reliable, affordable power it needs to be energy secure and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record-setting investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future.
Quick Facts
- Napanee BESS, a joint venture between Atura Power (a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, or OPG) and Ameresco Canada.
- Battery energy storage systems allow for the storage of baseload generation like nuclear and hydroelectric power, while also supporting the integration of intermittent energy resources.
- Through the E-LT1 RFP, First Long-Term Request for Proposals (LT1 RFP), and the Oneida Energy Storage Project, Ontario has secured almost 3,000 MW of battery storage capacity, the largest single battery storage procurement in Canadian history.
- The Ontario government has completed the energy stream of the first window of the Second Long-Term Request for Proposals (LT2 RFP), successfully procuring more than 1,100 MW of new electricity supply under the largest competitive energy procurement in the province’s history.
- The results of the LT2 capacity stream are anticipated in summer 2026.
- The government’s series of competitive procurements are designed to attract a diverse mix of technologies through open, transparent processes that will secure the electricity Ontario needs to support the building of new homes, businesses and communities.
Quotes
“As more people continue to choose Ontario as the best place to live and work, we’re building out our clean electricity infrastructure to keep life affordable for families and rates competitive for our foundational industry. The successful completion of the Napanee BESS project marks another step toward securing our energy grid during periods of peak demand, while supporting more good-paying jobs for the people of Ontario.”
– Sam Oosterhoff
Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries
“From industrial expansion to new housing and commercial developments, Eastern Ontario is experiencing unprecedented investments that are creating jobs and new opportunities for families. The completion of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System marks another milestone in our government’s unwavering commitment to providing the energy that’s necessary to power our region as we continue to grow.”
– Steve Clark
MPP, Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes
“The Napanee Battery Energy Storage System is a major investment in our region’s energy sector. By storing reliable, clean electricity and delivering it when demand is at its highest, this project will power thousands of homes, strengthen grid reliability and continue to support economic growth in eastern Ontario.”
– John Jordan
MPP, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
“With the Napanee BESS providing 250 megawatts of additional storage capacity our government is ensuring the Ontario grid will be well positioned to manage peaks and surges in eastern Ontario. I’m pleased to see strong investments supporting our Energy for Generations Plan, which will deliver affordable, resilient power as demand grows across this region.”
– Tyler Allsopp
MPP, Bay of Quinte
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of when forward thinking governments, commit to the future of our Province. Development, construction and operation of important projects such as the Napanee BESS, will assist in providing the much-needed power our communities will require to grow, and ensure a quality of life all Ontarians deserve. This is an exciting time for our Province and the community of Greater Napanee.”
– Terry Richardson
Mayor, Town of Greater Napanee
“At Atura Power, we are investing in modern technologies that strengthen system reliability and enable the integration of more intermittent non emitting generation, while maintaining the dependable electricity supply Ontarians rely on every day. Delivering this project ahead of schedule and on budget reflects the skill and dedication of our project team, including our joint venture partner Ameresco Canada, and the many trades and engineering professionals who made it possible.”
– Tom Patterson
President and CEO, Atura Power
“Through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, Atura Power and Ameresco worked closely with all project partners to successfully deliver this important energy infrastructure ahead of schedule. Reaching commercial operation early is a significant milestone and a clear reflection of the dedication, expertise, and teamwork across the entire project team. We’re proud to support Ontario’s energy future through coordinated efforts that prioritize reliability, innovation, and local impact.”
– Bob McCullough
President, Ameresco Canada Inc.
“The completion of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System is a positive step in strengthening Ontario’s electricity system at a time of growing demand. Battery storage is an important tool that can help improve grid reliability, manage peak demand, and support the integration of clean energy resources, such as nuclear and hydro. The Power Workers’ Union has consistently supported a balanced approach to energy planning — one that builds on Ontario’s strong foundation of reliable, proven generation while integrating new technologies like storage.”
– Andrew Clunis
President, Power Workers Union
“Energy storage is the Swiss Army knife of the electricity system. It can store energy for later, step in when demand spikes, and keep the grid stable and costs down. The Napanee Battery Energy Storage System coming in on budget and ahead of schedule shows what Ontario’s clean energy sector can deliver to support the province’s economic future.”
– Vittoria Bellissimo
President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“Energy Storage Canada congratulates Atura Power on the successful commencement of commercial operations of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System. The electrification of this asset marks a major milestone for Ontario and Canada’s growing energy storage industry. This project highlights the role of energy storage as essential infrastructure in Canada’s electricity system, supporting grid reliability, competitiveness, and economic growth. As electricity demand continues to rise, projects like Napanee will play a critical role in ensuring Ontario has the flexible, resilient, and affordable electricity system needed to power the province’s future.”
– Justin Rangooni
President and CEO, Energy Storage Canada
“Demand for electricity is rising, and we must continue to invest in our electricity system to support Ontario’s growth. Atura’s Napanee Battery Storage System will help power thousands of homes and businesses and demonstrates the success of competitive procurements in bringing new, cost-effective electricity resources online in Ontario.”
– Lesley Gallinger
President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator
Additional Resources
Ontario Celebrates Indigenous Leadership in Clean Energy Storage
Media Contacts
Noah Mawji
Minister Lecce’s Office
Noah.Mawji@ontario.ca
Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
Robert.Quartarone@ontario.ca
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