The project is co-owned by the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC), Northland Power, NRStor Inc., Aecon Concessions, and the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation, operating as Oneida Energy Storage Limited Partnership (Oneida LP). Northland Power holds a 70% stake. The facility, supported by funding from Natural Resources Canada and the Canada Investment Bank, employed over 180 workers during peak construction, including more than 40 from the majority Indigenous-owned Aecon Six Nations.
Equipped with 278 lithium-ion battery units, Oneida LP draws and stores power from Ontario’s grid, securing revenue through a 20-year capacity services contract with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), energy sales, and ancillary services. SNGRDC stated on May 7: “Originally developed under a 50/50 partnership between SNGRDC and NRStor Inc., the Oneida Energy Storage facility serves as a model for meaningful partnerships, prioritizing Indigenous involvement in the development of clean energy in Canada.”
The project doubles Ontario’s energy storage capacity from 225 MW to 475 MW, is expected to reduce 1.2 to 4.1 megatonnes of emissions over its lifetime, and supports the efficient integration of renewable sources like wind and solar. SNGRDC President and CEO Matt Jamieson said: “As a foundational partner we are especially proud to play a lead role in introducing grid-connected energy storage to the Ontario energy market. Not only does the project create value for Ontario ratepayers and our community, our involvement highlights the importance of Indigenous partnership and inclusion—it exemplifies what can be accomplished together.”
NRStor Chair and CEO Annette Verschuren stated: “Our partnerships-first approach to energy projects with Indigenous Peoples really enabled the Oneida vision to become a reality and also resulted in a true Canadian success story which serves as the model to replicate moving forward.” Northland Power President and CEO Christine Healy added: “Oneida represents a pivotal step in our strategy to develop and operate battery storage facilities. Delivering this project ahead of schedule and under budget is a clear demonstration of Northland’s capability to execute large-scale energy projects safely and effectively.”
The project is a flagship for Ontario’s planned 3GW of battery storage, with IESO contributing about 60% of its revenue, positioning it as a potential model for large energy users like data centers.
