Canada Infrastructure Bank unveils plan for 250 MW/1,000 MWh storage project

From pv magazine USA

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Oneida Energy Storage LP, a joint venture between NRStor and Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corp., have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Oneida Energy Storage project in Ontario.

According to the CIB, the proposed 250 MW/1,000 MWh energy storage facility represents the largest project of its kind in Canada. Once finished, it will also be among the largest battery storage projects in the world.

The MOU confirms the CIB’s plans to financially support of the project, with further due diligence and a final investment decision expected this spring. As a Canadian federal corporation, the CIB is mandated to invest CAD 35 billion ($27.5 billion) and attract private-sector dollars into projects that benefit the country. The CIB said this latest partnership is another step toward delivering clean power infrastructure under the corporation’s CAD 10 billion growth plan.

The Oneida Energy Storage project will draw and store existing surplus baseload and renewable energy during off-peak periods, and then release its energy into the Ontario grid during peak periods. The CIB said this will provide important grid-balancing services and create a more efficient and cost-effective electricity system for Ontario.

“Renewable energy projects in partnership with Indigenous communities – like the Oneida Energy Storage project with the CIB, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and NRStor – are a great example of how our economy will grow in the future and how forward-looking investments can help Canadians achieve their economic and environmental goals,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada’s minister of infrastructure and communities.