Napanee BESS Ribbon Cutting - Photo by Emily Chatwood / myFM News
Ontario officials gathered in Greater Napanee this morning to celebrate the completion of one of Canada’s largest battery energy storage facilities, saying the project will help keep electricity reliable and affordable as demand grows.
The Napanee Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located on Hwy 33, can provide 250 megawatts of electricity for up to four hours during periods of peak demand, enough to power about 250,000 homes. Ground was broken September 2024.
Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said the $600-million project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget.
Lecce called the project a major achievement for Ontario’s energy sector.
Minister Stephen Lecce – Photo by Emily Chatwood / myFM News
Lecce said Ontario expects electricity demand to rise by up to 90 per cent by 2050. He said battery storage projects allow the province to store lower-cost nuclear energy during low-demand periods and return it to the grid when demand increases.
Tom Patterson said the project was built through partnerships with local municipalities, Indigenous communities and industry leaders.
Mayor Terry Richardson said the project will help attract future investment and growth to the community.
Officials also addressed safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion battery storage systems during a question-and-answer session with reporters. Lecce said safety protocols and training measures are in place for workers, municipalities, fire departments and emergency responders before projects are built.
Patterson added the site includes fire suppression systems and that the company is working closely with local emergency response teams.
The province said construction supported 120 jobs, while the completed facility will continue supporting long-term operations and maintenance positions in the region.
Written by Emily Chatwood
