News from Canada, as NB Power issues a request for expressions of interest for 50MW of energy storage, while Boralex commissions its energy storage project with Walpole Island First Nation.
NB Power issues request for expressions of interest for 50MW of BESS
Canadian utility NB Power has issued a request for expressions of interest (REOI) for 50MW of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.
The REOI requests battery storage totalling 50MW, capable of approximately four hours of operation, to deliver short-term flexibility for managing intermittent wind and solar energy.
The successful applicant must commit to a 15-year contract. This agreement aims to deliver effective BESS solutions that are “financially responsible for New Brunswick, Canada customers.”
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NB Power says the selection process will favour proposals that provide the best overall value for New Brunswick, including the lowest cost options, First Nations ownership and partnership, and appropriate interconnection and location.
The BESS project is intended to complement existing generation projects. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 30 April 2026.
Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power, said of the potential project, “The project is consistent with our Strategic Plan: Energising our Future, which aims to accelerate grid modernisation efforts, including the integration of renewables.”
The plan outlines goals for NB Power for 2023-2035, with a 2024-2025 goal being to finalise power purchase agreements (PPAs) with successful REOI for BESS.
According to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), NB Power generates the majority of the electricity in the province, while the province as a whole generated approximately 2% of Canada’s total electricity.
The province’s emissions have also declined 23% since 1990 and 38% since 2005.
The REOI was sent to any “interested New Brunswickers,” and NB Power stated that the new generation would be integrated into its system if it proves to be cost-effective. Any storage or renewable assets developed through this request are anticipated to be operational by 2027.
Boralex commissions Sanjgon BESS
Quebec-based independent power producer (IPP) Boralex, in partnership with Walpole Island First Nation, has commissioned the 80MW/320MWh Sanjgon BESS in the Municipality of Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada.
The project was previously named Tilbury. Boralex and Walpole Island First Nation announced a CA$172 (US$119) million financing for the BESS in 2025.
In collaboration with Walpole Island First Nation, the Tilbury Battery Storage Project was renamed Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage. The name “Sanjgon,” from the Nishnaabemwin language, highlights traditional storage practices of the Nation’s families.
Boralex states that the facility demonstrates its dedication to fostering respectful, long-lasting partnerships with Indigenous and local communities. Additionally, a Community Benefit Agreement with the Municipality of Lakeshore will allocate US$720 per MW each year throughout the project’s duration to support local initiatives.
With Sanjgon now operational and the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park set to be commissioned soon, Boralex says it will achieve a total of 380MW of installed storage capacity in Canada, establishing it as the country’s largest battery storage operator.
The company, with its partner Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) closed a US$372.82 million financing for the Hagersville BESS project in 2024.
Further storage projects, such as the Oxford project, are currently in development and are anticipated to start construction soon.
In October 2025, Boralex received the green light from the Oxford City Council to move forward with the 125MW/500MWh Oxford BESS project.
Ontario has introduced major policy updates to incorporate energy storage within its electricity grid. The province’s Integrated Energy Plan focuses on increasing storage capacity and expanding transmission infrastructure to facilitate distributed storage solutions.
Ontario and Alberta, Canada’s primary wholesale electricity markets, lead the country in installed energy storage capacity.
Ontario accounts for over two-thirds of the grid-connected storage, at approximately 486MW, while Alberta has more than a quarter, with about 190MW.
