-Largest battery storage project in Canada-
Toronto, Ontario – February 10, 2023: Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) announced today that Oneida Energy Storage Limited Partnership (Oneida LP), a consortium in which Aecon Concessions will be an equity partner, has executed an agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for the Oneida Energy Storage Project to deliver a 250 megawatt / 1,000 megawatt-hour energy storage facility near Nanticoke, Ontario. Under the agreement, Aecon has been awarded a $141 million Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract by Oneida LP. The value of the contract was added to Aecon’s Construction segment backlog in the fourth quarter of 2022.
NRStor, the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC), Northland Power and Aecon Concessions will be the owners of Oneida LP, which will provide electricity storage services to the IESO through a 20-year agreement and receive fixed availability payments from IESO for capacity services, as well as revenue from energy sold into the Ontario electricity grid and operating reserve. Tesla is the battery supplier and has executed a battery supply agreement with Oneida LP.
The project is the largest of its kind in Canada and amongst the largest in the world. It will provide a gigawatt-hour of much needed capacity to the Ontario grid, while prioritizing local Indigenous partnerships and environmental benefits. The scope of work includes designing the facility, procuring balance of plant facility equipment, installing equipment foundations, electrical houses, battery transformers, switchgears and underground cabling, as well as constructing a high voltage substation, and commissioning and startup activities. Construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2023, with anticipated completion in 2025.
“As a leader in the energy transition, Aecon is working at the forefront to build and operate sustainable infrastructure and the battery energy storage market offers robust opportunities for continued growth in a significant global market,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aecon Group Inc. “We are pleased to combine the multidisciplinary expertise of Aecon’s Construction and Concessions teams to deliver this sustainable project that will improve electricity management during peak demand, reduce GHG emissions, and support economic development and long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities – creating energy savings to meet the needs of future generations. Building on our existing Aecon-Six Nations joint venture with the SNGRDC, this partnership is a natural progression, and we look forward to working with all partners to deliver this innovative project,” said Servranckx.
The project will ensure the supply of clean, reliable electricity capacity for Ontario while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 4.1 million tonnes – the equivalent of taking 40,000 cars off the road every year. The facility will draw and store existing surplus baseload and renewable energy during off-peak periods and release that energy back to the grid when demand is at its peak. In addition, it will help stabilize Ontario’s electricity sector by providing important grid balancing services and benefits to provincial ratepayers, including reducing the need and cost associated with using gas-fired power plants during times of peak demand.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank has played a key role supporting project development and is collaborating with the Oneida Energy Storage Project on an investment agreement. Natural Resources Canada has provided $50 million in funding from the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program. The project contributes to Canada’s ongoing transition to a net-zero economy by 2050 and commitment to achieving a 100 per cent net-zero-emitting electricity system by 2035.
Join our Team
Be a part of this exciting renewable energy project. Aecon is currently recruiting for a diverse range of roles to work on some of the most transformative projects across Canada. As a first-choice employer, we’re looking for talented and diverse individuals to build what matters and help future generations thrive. Apply today: aecon.com/careers
About Aecon
As a Canadian leader in construction and infrastructure development with global expertise, Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) strives to be the number one Canadian infrastructure company and is proud to be recognized as one of the Best Employers and Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. Aecon safely, profitably and sustainably delivers integrated solutions to private and public-sector clients through its Construction segment in the Civil, Urban Transportation, Nuclear, Utility and Industrial sectors, and provides project development, financing, investment and management services through its Concessions segment. Join our online community on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @AeconGroupInc.
Statement on Forward-Looking Information
The information in this press release includes certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans but are subject to risks and uncertainties. In addition to events beyond Aecon's control, there are factors which could cause actual or future results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or inferred herein, as discussed in greater detail in Section 13 – “Risk Factors” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed on March 1, 2022, in respect of the period ended September 30, 2022, and filed on October 26, 2022. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Aecon undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law and the forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement.
For further information: