Energy Plug Technologies and the Malahat Nation have both said that construction has commenced of Canada’s first indigenous-led ESS factory located in Mill Bay, British Columbia.
The site that aims for a battery production capacity of 1GWh per annum will establish battery energy storage systems (BESS) for residential, commercial, utility, and data centres throughout North America. It will be located in the Malahat Business Park that belongs to the native people of the region.
As per the organisation, the project is estimated to have an overall cost of CA$75m (US$55.29m) which will be funded by First Nations Finance Authority, Malahat Nation, Energy Plug and private equity.
When ready, this new Canada’s first indigenous-led ESS factory will be under the business entity known as Malahat Battery Technologies Limited Partnership in which the Malahat Nation owns 51% while Energy Plug Technologies holds 49%.
The gigafactory will be supported by Siemens Canada, Johnson Controls Canada, and Wales McLelland Construction while energy management, electrical products, and battery products will be provided by Enwind Power from Taiwan.
Completion date
A fully-built gigafactory will likely be in the fourth quarter of year 2025, according to the statement.
CEO of Energy Plug Broderick Gunning said that they feel privileged to work with the Malahat Nation as well as supporting in making history.
“We are also privileged to have Siemens Canada and Johnson Controls Canada, international companies with proven accomplishments in constructing and managing huge factories, including incorporation of energy storage and management systems.”
As Energy-Storage.news covered earlier this year, the C$350 million ($265.5 million) loan to Canadian Battery Energy Storage Portfolio has enabled indigenous communities to become investors in the project.
CIB made the announcement of the investment in mid February and it is the first commitment from the bank to date under its Indigenous Equity Initiative. The scheme means empowering First Nations, Metis, and Inuit to own an interest in projects where also CIB will be investing.
Justin Wahid Rangooni, executive director of national trade association Energy Storage Canada, said: “Engaging indigenously and signing beneficial partnerships with first nations and securing their involvement for the modernization of Canada’s new/current/in progress grid such as integration of storage to share renewable energy, will be central to Canada’s net-zero objectives & to Canadians future, sustainable energy.”
Following the factory’s groundbreaking in late August last week Energy Plug hired a new chief technology officer (CTO). Dr. Ramtin Rasoulinezhad will also be responsible for the products, pilots, as well as partnerships and markets. The company also said it plans to complete a CA$1m third tranche of a private placement by September 30, in addition to the CA$681,000 it has already garnered under the placement.
Project factsheet
Constructor: Energy Plug Technologies and the Malahat Nation.
Start date: 2024.
Completion date: Quarter of 2025.
Cost: CA$75 million (US$55.29 million).
Location: Mill Bay, British Columbia, in the Malahat Business Park.
