Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation is set to become the largest Indigenous holder of energy projects in North America.
SNGRDC announced last week that on May 9, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) will partner with Six Nations on three battery storage projects, giving Six Nations 50 per cent ownership of those projects.
The projects will be on Six Nations treaty territory:
-Elora BESS (Battery Energy Storage) 210.53 MW project capacity), located in the Township of Centre Wellington. SNGRDC is a 50 per cent partner with Aypa Power Canada Development LP.
-Hedley BESS (210.53 MW project capacity), located in Haldimand County. SNGRDC is a 50 per cent partner with Aypa Power Canada Development LP.
-Oxford Battery Energy Storage Project (125 MW project capacity), located in the Township of South-West Oxford. SNGRDC is a 50 per cent partner with Boralex Inc.
When these new projects are constructed, SNGRDC’s energy portfolio will grow to over one (1) Gigawatt of energy storage, making SNGRDC the largest Indigenous holder of energy storage in North America.
“The latest round of IESO LT1 procurement is a monumental highlight in our nine years as a company,” said Matt Jamieson, President & CEO of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation in a press release. “We have worked tirelessly to build our reputation in Ontario’s energy market as a progressive Indigenous community that is willing to invest in a cleaner future. Along the way, we’ve developed the experience and partnerships needed to ensure the energy market is fully inclusive of meaningful Indigenous participation. Our investment in energy storage will not only reduce Ontario’s reliance on fossil fuels but will also generate significant economic returns for the Six Nations community.”
SNGRDC says battery storage facilities are an “emerging solution to address the strain on Ontario’s power grid.”
These facilities consist of large-scale lithium batteries that store surplus energy during off-peak times and release that energy back into the power grid during times of peak demand.
“The batteries used in these projects have been extensively tested against fire and no explosion, projectile event, or toxic gas has ever been observed in a lithium-ion battery installation,” SNGRDC said. “All battery storage projects must meet all necessary building code and safety requirements to proceed.”
Throughout the development phase of these projects, a Six Nations community investment review period will take place, consisting of community information sessions that will be conducted by SNGRDC and its partners.
More information on these sessions, including dates, will be shared by SNGRDC as project development progresses.
