Canada’s biggest battery breaks ground, e-STORAGE to supply 1.86 GWh system

The 411 MW / 1.858 GWh Skyview 2 battery energy storage system (BESS) project developed by Potentia Renewables in Canada is underway, with a groundbreaking ceremony taking place as snow fell this week.

The ceremonial beginning comes alongside the announcement that Canadian Solar’s storage subsidiary e-STORAGE has been awarded the contract to deliver the battery system for the project being built in Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Ontario.

The project is also in partnership with the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, and was selected under Ontario’s Long Term Reliability 1 (LT1) procurement plan. Indigenous ownership was an emphasis in the LT1 program. The majority of selected storage projects include Indigenous equity stakes

e-STORAGE will supply around 390 units of its SolBank 3.0 system, alongside EPC delivery, system integration and balance-of-plant works, excluding the high-voltage transformer and switchgear. The companies said a 21-year long-term service agreement is part of the project delivery, which will begin in February 2026. Commercial operation expected in the second quarter of 2027.

At an event featuring many political players, Ben Greenhouse, CEO of Potentia, said: “The Skyview 2 Energy Storage Project represents a major milestone for both Ontario and Potentia, marking the province’s largest battery energy storage project to date. Together with the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and our partners at Canadian Solar and e-STORAGE, we’re proud to advance innovative, dependable, and affordable energy solutions that enhance grid reliability and deliver lasting value to local communities.”

Colin Parkin, President of e-STORAGE, said: “The Skyview project, our largest SolBank delivery contract to date, is set to become one of Canada’s largest battery energy storage facilities upon completion. This project is a strong validation of our full-stack delivery model, which combines our proprietary SolBank technology with turnkey EPC execution to deliver bankable, grid-ready energy storage infrastructure at scale. We are proud to support Potentia and the Province of Ontario in advancing this project in collaboration with the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, reflecting our commitment to responsible development and long-term community participation. This project will reinforce grid reliability and accelerate Canada’s clean energy transition.”

“On behalf of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, I want to thank our partners at Potentia, our project team and all those who have supported this important work”, said Chief Greg Sarazin of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. “Together, we are showing that when First Nations are included as full participants in Canada’s energy landscape, everyone benefits. Chì Mìgwech. Thank you.”

The provincial government has cast Skyview 2 as central to its broader energy plan and the LT1 program. Premier Doug Ford called it “an important part of our plan to protect Ontario,” as part of large-scale storage as providing reliable and affordable electricity, while noting pressure from the current US administation on Ontario in tersm of trade and ongoing friction between the province and Trump.

IESO’s later LT2 procurement is also ongoing.