The 150 MW/1.2 GWh Simcoe Battery Energy Storage System Project in Norfolk County, Ontario, has been approved by the local electricity system operator, paving the way for construction of one of the biggest BESS projects in the region.
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has signed a facility agreement with Simcoe Battery Project General Partnership Inc. to build, own and operate the project in Norfolk County.
Simcoe Battery Project General Partnership Inc. is owned by a consortium of developers and First Nation groups, which represent the communities from the original inhabitants of Canada.
Six Nations Group and the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation (MCBC) are joined by Aecon Group, Sitka Power Inc. and NRStor as project owners.
The deal with IESO includes a 20-year capacity agreement, providing the project with guaranteed payments that can be supplemented with revenue from grid exports and ancillary services.
Balance of plant works at the site will be provided by Aecon, and the developer is expected to finalize an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement for the project. Aecon expects the site to enter commercial operations in 2030.
The Simcoe BESS approval follows the successful commissioning of the Oneida Energy Storage Project in Ontario, which Aecon also has an ownership interest in. The project has been operating since May 2025 and was developed and delivered by Aecon, Six Nations Group, MCBC, NRStor and Northland Power, alongside construction partner Aecon-Six Nations.
First Nations groups play an active role in BESS development in Canada, providing backing to multiple grid-scale projects. Other projects backed by Six Nations Group include the 300 MW/1.2 GWh Hagersville battery project, which entered commercial operation in early 2026; the 211 MW Elora BESS and 211 MW, both expected to reach commercial operation in 2027; and the 125 MW/500 MWh Oxford BESS, which reached financial close in April 2026.
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