Ameresco Inc., in partnership with Atura Power, has been chosen to build a 250 megawatt (MW), 1,000 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) by Canada’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), according to a June 8 press release.

In order to complete the project, the two companies will establish a joint venture (JV) called Napanee BESS Inc. As part of the JV, Napanee will enter into a 20-year capacity agreement with the IESO. Ameresco is expected to provide engineering and construction solutions and expertise for the BESS’ installation.

“In partnership with Atura Power, we are honored that our JV has been selected by the IESO for this battery energy storage system installation, one of the largest in Canadian history,” said Lou Maltezos, Ameresco executive vice president. “This project is designed to significantly bolster the province’s energy security and reliability, ushering Canada into a greener, more sustainable age.”

As a partial result of this project, the IESO expects Ontario’s energy storage capacity to increase from 228 MW to at least 1,217 MW.