Big Battery, Big Impact: Canada's Energy Shift Begins

Oneida project doubles Ontario's storage capacity and offers a model for grid reliability as Canada transitions from fossil fuels

9 May 2025

Canada has just supercharged its clean energy ambitions with the launch of the country's largest battery storage facility. The Oneida Energy Storage Project in Ontario adds 250 megawatts of capacity, more than doubling the province's total to 475 MW overnight. That's enough stored electricity to keep hundreds of thousands of homes powered for hours, and a major step toward making the national grid cleaner and more resilient.

The CAD 700 million project was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, a rare feat in the energy sector. Developed by a partnership between NRStor, Northland Power, and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, Oneida has secured long-term backing from Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator. That support ensures financial stability while giving the grid a powerful tool for balancing supply and demand.

Why does it matter now? As more electric vehicles hit the road and heavy industries electrify, the strain on power infrastructure is growing. By storing renewable energy and dispatching it when it is most needed, Oneida reduces reliance on gas plants. It is expected to eliminate between 1.2 and 4.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime.

"This proves that large-scale storage can be built affordably, on time, and with broad support," said one industry executive.

Still, questions remain. Lithium-ion batteries dominate for now, but newer technologies could upend the market. And utilities will need to adapt how they manage and value these assets. But the consensus is clear: Oneida is more than just a battery. It is a turning point.

For provinces planning their own energy transitions, Oneida offers a working model. If its success sparks a wave of similar investments, Canada's path to a low-carbon grid just got a lot more real.