Project Spotlight: Oneida BESS
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
The Oneida Battery Energy Storage Project (BESS) is a landmark, Indigenous-partnered grid-scale battery facility in Haldimand County, Ontario. Designed to strengthen grid reliability and enable more renewable integration, Oneida is now fully operational at 250 MW / 1,000 MWh—the largest operational battery energy storage facility in Canada.
Project Overview
Oneida is owned and delivered through Oneida Energy Storage Limited Partnership, a partnership that includes Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation, alongside private-sector partners Northland Power, NRStor, and Aecon.
The project reached a major milestone in May 2025, when it commenced commercial operations and began providing capacity and grid services to Ontario’s electricity system.
Project Details
Location: Haldimand County, Ontario
Technology: Lithium-ion battery energy storage system
Capacity: 250 MW / 1,000 MWh
Status: Operating
Indigenous stake: Minority
Indigenous partners: Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit
Industry partners: Northland Power,NRStor, and Aecon Concessions
Indigenous Ownership
Originally developed as a 50/50 partnership between Six Nations of the Grand River and NRStor Inc., Northland Power has since disclosed that it holds approximately 69% ownership of the project. The remaining ownership is held by Six Nations of the Grand River (10% stake), NRStor, Aecon, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (stake not publicly disclosed).
Funding Details
Natural Resources Canada announced $50 million in funding through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program. Canada Infrastructure Bank invested $518 million in the project. The project was completed with a final cost of approximately $700 million, compared to the initial $800 million estimate at financial close in 2023. Oneida is backed by a 20-year capacity contract with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, providing stable, long-term revenue.
Why This Project Matters
Oneida is a benchmark project for Indigenous ownership in the energy transition because it proves that:
Indigenous equity participation can scale into major and industry-leading grid assets.
Structured partnerships that combine Indigenous development corporations, experienced developers, and established EPC contractors can successfully deliver large-scale energy projects from development through to commercial operations.
Indigenous Energy Ownership Tracker
Oneida BESS is one of the many Indigenous-owned power projects tracked in IEM’s Indigenous Energy Ownership Tracker (IEOT)—built to centralize project ownership details, identify partnership models, and improve transparency across Canada’s energy transition.
🔗 Explore the IEOT:
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