NANTICOKE—Steel, circuitry, and silence: Canada’s largest battery project is now quietly reshaping the power grid from right here in Haldimand.
The Oneida Energy Storage Project, now fully operational in Nanticoke, stands as the largest battery energy storage facility in the country and one of the largest anywhere in the world.
Delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, the 250-megawatt (MW), 1,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) facility uses 278 lithium-ion battery units to store and discharge electricity from Ontario’s grid, helping meet peak demand while reducing overall carbon output.
With its launch, Ontario has more than doubled its energy storage capacity, growing from 225 MW to 475 MW.
The result is not only a technological milestone, but also a landmark in Indigenous-led partnerships.
Initially developed as a 50/50 joint venture between Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) and Toronto-based NRStor Inc., the project grew to include Northland Power Inc., Aecon Concessions, and the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation. Together, these partners formed the Oneida Energy Storage Limited Partnership.
Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of SNGRDC, told The Press the project represents the culmination of years of determination and innovation.
“It certainly is a very, very large and important conclusion to a many-year-long journey we’ve been on,” said Jamieson. “This project checks a lot of boxes for us from a strategic standpoint. Energy storage is one of those tools that helps harness the value of renewable assets for the greater good of the grid and Ontario ratepayers.”
SNGRDC’s involvement began in 2018, with what Jamieson described as a concept born in a Six Nations boardroom.
Working with NRStor, the group developed the vision for a large-scale energy storage facility and began lobbying the provincial and federal governments to support what was, at the time, a novel idea.
“It took a long time to convince the province that energy storage was a necessary part of Ontario’s energy future,” said Jamieson. “But once we secured a contract, they quickly issued further procurements for similar projects. Oneida helped set that momentum.”
The project received a $50 million federal grant through Natural Resources Canada, with additional support from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). These public investments helped de-risk a project that, as Jamieson noted, was unprecedented in size and ambition.
Christine Healy, President and CEO of Northland Power, said the Oneida project is a critical addition to Ontario’s power system.
“Battery energy storage is an important tool so that we can make sure we have a reliable system,” she said. “This is our first major battery storage project, and it shows what can happen when you bring strong partners together.”
Healy credited the project’s on-time, under-budget delivery to rigorous planning and effective collaboration.
“You need detailed plans, backups to those plans, and a team focused on execution,” she said. “This was the first of its kind in Canada, so everything had to be done right. Now future projects have a template to follow.”
The Oneida project also had a significant local impact. At the height of construction, more than 180 people were employed, and over 300,000 labour hours were logged without a single lost-time injury.
A significant portion of the on-site workforce came from Six Nations through A6N, a general partnership between Aecon and SNGRDC. Over 40 Indigenous workers contributed to the build.
“That translates into income for our community members, and those jobs build experience and capacity to continue in this field,” said Jamieson. “We’re quite proud to have aligned our interests to put our people to work and generate wealth for our community.”
The financial returns from Oneida are also expected to ripple across the Six Nations territory for years to come. SNGRDC is wholly owned by the Six Nations Elected Council, and half of all surplus profits from the corporation are reinvested into community development through an economic development trust.
“Eighty per cent of those funds go back to the council to use in accordance with our long-term community plan,” said Jamieson. “We have a significant infrastructure gap, and we’re proud to draw a direct connection between our economic ventures and the needs of our people.”
Healy said the project’s success has reinforced the importance of choosing the right partners, not just for their technical capabilities but also for their values and vision.
“Our Indigenous partners were critical to our success,” she said. “Everyone involved saw the opportunity, and we all worked together to make it happen. That’s what gives me hope for the future.”
From a policy perspective, the Oneida Energy Storage Project also fits into a broader provincial and federal push for reliable, low-emission electricity. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 1.2 and 4.1 million tonnes over its life, equivalent to removing more than 40,000 cars from the road.
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has entered a 20-year contract with Oneida LP to support system reliability. The project will generate revenue through fixed capacity payments and energy sales into the grid, while also providing ancillary services.
“This is a textbook example of what Indigenous inclusion should look like,” Jamieson said. “We were at the table from day one. We selected the location, helped choose the partners, and shaped the development process from start to finish. That’s what real collaboration looks like.”
He said the trust built between the partners was key to overcoming hurdles during planning and construction.
“We went through Covid, we saw lithium prices skyrocket, and there were moments I wondered if we’d make it to the finish line,” said Jamieson. “But the strength of the partnerships … helped us get there.”
Jamieson also highlighted the long-term significance for the Six Nations community: “This isn’t just about a project. It’s about building capacity for our people, economic self-determination, and being a key player in shaping Canada’s energy future. That’s the kind of legacy we want to leave.”
While the Oneida Energy Storage Project now begins its operational phase, its legacy is already taking shape: a blueprint for future collaboration, a tool for expanded clean power, and a source of pride for all those who helped build it. Jamieson believes the success of Oneida should inspire broader discussions about Indigenous leadership.
“We’ve proven that when Indigenous communities are full partners, not only can we deliver results – we can lead the way,” he said. “This has real human impact – jobs, income, pride, and progress. When our youth see that Six Nations can lead a nationally significant energy project, that’s powerful. That creates belief.”
