Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage System

PROJECT

LOCATION

Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Ontario

Background

The Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage Project represents a strategic response to Ontario’s growing electricity demands in the eastern region. Owned by Skyview BESS Inc., a partnership between the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and Power Sustainable Energy Infrastructure (PSEIP), this lithium-ion battery energy storage facility addresses the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) forecasted need for 4,000 MW of additional capacity by 2030.

In spring 2024, the IESO awarded Skyview 2 BESS a competitively sourced long-term capacity contract through the Long Term Reliability 1 (LT1) procurement process, recognizing the project’s strategic importance to regional grid stability and capacity enhancement.

Challenges

Eastern Ontario faces significant electricity capacity constraints with growing demand projecting a requirement for substantial additional generation and storage capacity by 2030. The regional grid requires enhanced reliability and flexibility to manage peak loads while supporting sustainable economic growth. Traditional generation methods alone cannot efficiently address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and the need for rapid response capabilities during peak demand periods.

Solutions

ENTRUST provided comprehensive technical and environmental assessment support for the development of this 411MW (1,560+ Megawatt-hours) battery energy storage facility. The solution encompasses:

Technical Implementation:

Design and engineering oversight for a utility-scale lithium-ion battery storage system occupying approximately 30 acres
Integration planning with existing transmission infrastructure to optimize grid connectivity
Development of operational protocols for peak load management and grid stabilization services

Environmental Assessment Services:

Completion of Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities in accordance with Ontario Environmental Assessment Act requirements
Comprehensive Environmental Study Report development including natural heritage studies, archaeological assessments, and acoustics evaluation
Cultural heritage evaluation reports for properties within the project area

Community Engagement Framework:

Implementation of structured consultation processes with local stakeholders and Indigenous communities
Development of community benefit programs including $300,000 annual funding commitments over 20+ years
Coordination of public engagement activities and transparent communication protocols

The project provides critical grid services including frequency regulation, voltage support, and energy arbitrage capabilities while reducing reliance on natural gas peaking generators. Construction is scheduled to commence in late 2025 with commercial operation targeted for 2027, delivering enhanced electrical capacity and grid resilience to support eastern Ontario’s sustainable economic development.