Why the Sanjgon BESS Project Matters for Ontario's Grid
Ontario's First Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System
The Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage facility is Boralex’s first electricity storage facility in North America. Located in Lakeshore (Ontario), it provides 80 MW of capacity and 320 MWh of storage, equivalent to four hours of full-power output.
This BESS energy storage was developed following a call for proposals from Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) aimed at enhancing grid flexibility and resilience.
For Boralex, it represents concrete progress toward its 2030 Strategic Plan: expanding into utility-scale and grid storage and taking a leadership role in this growing segment.
A Model Partnership With Walpole Island First Nation
The name “Sanjgon” comes from the Nishnaabemwin language of Walpole Island First Nation and reflects the community’s traditional storage practices.
This naming choice embodies our commitment to honouring Indigenous culture by co-developing a respectful and inclusive project. Such community partnerships strengthen the project’s legitimacy and local acceptance—often a key success factor for major energy infrastructures.
The project also includes a community benefit agreement with the Municipality of Lakeshore, providing an annual contribution of $1,000 per MW. Over the life of the project, this agreement will support local initiatives and demonstrates the long-term, trust-based relationship between us at Boralex and our partners aim to build.
Tesla Megapack Technology: How Sanjgon Delivers 320 MWh of Grid Storage
89 Tesla Megapacks Utility-scale Battery Storage Delivering 320 MWh of Capacity
The BESS battery integrates 89 Tesla Megapack containers across the site, storing a total of 320 MWh of energy—approximately four hours of full-power operation.
This setup helps stabilize Ontario’s electricity grid by reducing the gaps between renewable energy production (wind, solar) and consumption, improving resilience to fluctuations, and maximizing renewable integration.
Battery Storage for Grid Stability in Ontario: How Sanjgon Works
The storage system ensures that electricity can be stored during off-peak periods and released during peak hours, helping reduce reliance on gas-fired power plants and the emissions associated with them.
It connects directly to Hydro One’s (HONI) existing infrastructure through a dedicated interconnection, optimizing system performance and efficiency.
A Commitment to Innovation and Indigenous Culture
The choice of name, the partnership, and the respect for local traditions reflect Boralex’s intent to blend technological innovation with cultural recognition.
- This approach illustrates a core belief: sustainable energy is built with communities, not just for them.
Boralex's Growing Battery Storage Capacity in Canada: Sanjgon and Beyond
With Sanjgon and the soon-to-come Hagersville project (300 MW), Boralex is set to become Canada’s largest battery storage operator, with 380 MW of installed capacity. Other projects, such as Oxford, are already planned for 2026, strengthening our leadership in the energy transition.
Key Facts About the Sanjgon Storage Site:
Community Partnership :
- Developed in collaboration with Walpole Island First Nation.
- Supported by the Municipality of Lakeshore through a Community Benefit Agreement.
Innovative Technology :
- Installed capacity of 80 MW / 320 MWh, enabling four hours of full-power grid supply.
- 89 Tesla Megapack 2XL units—utility-scale integrated lithium-ion battery systems. Each Megapack can store up to 3.9 MWh.
Grid Stability and Reliability :
- Sanjgon was selected as part of Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Expedited Long-Term Request for Proposals.
- Boralex's first BESS supporting Canada's energy storage capacities.
The project directly supports Ontario’s Resource Adequacy Framework, addressing growing capacity needs while enhancing grid reliability and resilience.
About Boralex
Boralex develops, builds, and operates renewable energy facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
A leading player in wind, solar, and now energy storage, Boralex works to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
- For more information, see the official Sanjgon press release and the project page on boralex.com.
