Ontario has officially broken ground on what will become the largest battery storage facility ever procured in Canada, a major step in the province’s long-term plan to strengthen grid reliability and support economic growth. The Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage System, located in Edwardsburgh Cardinal, is designed to provide enough stored energy to power nearly 400,000 homes once completed, marking a significant expansion of Ontario’s clean energy infrastructure.
The project, announced Tuesday, represents a cornerstone of the provincial government’s broader strategy to meet rising electricity demand driven by population growth, industrial expansion and large-scale electrification efforts. Construction is expected to create up to 300 jobs, with additional long-term operational roles following its completion in 2027.
“As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we’re making record investments in energy generation, transmission and storage to make our province an energy superpower,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Skyview 2 is an important part of that plan and will be a game-changer for Leeds and Grenville’s economy, as well as our First Nations partners. It will help to deliver the reliable, clean and affordable energy needed to power our growing communities and economy for generations to come.”
Electricity demand in Ontario is forecast to climb sharply by 2050 as sectors from manufacturing to transportation pivot toward electrification. Battery storage systems are increasingly seen as essential to balancing the grid by capturing electricity produced during low-demand periods—particularly from nuclear, hydro and renewable sources—and releasing it back into the system when needed most.
“Ontario is building big and for future generations as we lead the largest nuclear and energy storage expansion in Canadian history,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “With shovels in the ground on Canada’s largest battery storage facility, our government is proud to support Canadian workers, Indigenous communities and affordability for all Ontarians.”
Skyview 2 is being developed through the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Long-Term 1 Request for Proposals (LT1 RFP), a major procurement initiative aimed at expanding Ontario’s energy storage capacity. The project is a partnership between Potentia Renewables Inc. and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation—one of several Indigenous-led or co-led initiatives shaping the province’s energy future.
“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. “Together, we are showing that when First Nations are included as full participants in Canada’s energy landscape, everyone benefits. Chì Mìgwech. Thank you.”
Ontario’s Energy for Generations plan positions large-scale storage as a central pillar of its long-term system reliability strategy. According to the province, nearly 3,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity have been secured through recent procurements—representing the largest such acquisition in Canadian history, with nine out of ten LT1 RFP projects involving Indigenous ownership.
Local officials say the Skyview 2 project will bring lasting economic benefits to Eastern Ontario.
“I’m proud that we’re breaking ground on Canada’s largest battery storage facility right here in Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes,” said MPP Steve Clark. “The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal has demonstrated real leadership on this project… Today marks a significant milestone in building a cleaner, more reliable energy future that will power economic growth in Eastern Ontario and across the province.”
Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps echoed this sentiment, noting the project’s potential to strengthen regional resilience and attract future investment. “The groundbreaking of the Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage System project marks a historic moment for our township and for Ontario’s energy future,” Deschamps said.
Industry leaders also praised the project as a milestone for Canada’s energy transition. Ben Greenhouse, CEO of Potentia Renewables, described Skyview 2 as proof of the value of collaboration, while IESO President Lesley Gallinger noted the facility’s importance in maintaining a “reliable and affordable” grid that can attract new investment.
Analysts expect battery storage to play a foundational role in Canada’s shift toward a net-zero electricity system. A recent outlook from Energy Storage Canada indicates the country will require more than 30 gigawatts of storage by 2050 to meet projected demand. Justin W. Rangooni, the organization’s president and CEO, said Ontario’s procurement strategy “sets the pace for the rest of the country.”
With construction now underway, Skyview 2 stands as one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects in Ontario’s recent history—positioning the province to manage increasing demand while supporting economic competitiveness, clean growth and strengthened partnerships with Indigenous communities.
