EDP Renewables North America alongside EDP Renewables Canada has partnered with Caldwell First Nation to complete a land purchase agreement on previously unused industrial property for the 75 MWac/300 MWh Edgeware Energy Storage Project initiated by the city of St. Thomas. Edgeware was awarded the 20-year contract with the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator. It will be the first energy storage project in Canada for EDP Renewables.
It is being developed in partnership with Caldwell First Nation and is located within their traditional territory. The revenue generated will be directly invested back into the community – the project is targeting commercial operation as early as 2027. Edgeware is pushing forward with this development phase with permitting matters expected to be completed in 2025.
“We are excited to partner with EDPR Canada on the Edgeware Energy Storage Project,” said Nikki van Oirschot, chief of Caldwell First Nation. “This initiative will directly benefit our community while honouring our traditional lands, environmental values, and sovereignty. It is vital for Caldwell to be genuine partners in projects, ensuring our perspectives are recognised and reflected in them.”
The city of St. Thomas is undergoing an unprecedented era of manufacturing growth tied to the automotive industry and this project will assist in meeting critical electricity demand moving forward.
EDPR Canada operates three projects across the country, including the 297 MW Sharp Hills wind farm in Alberta, as well as the 100 MW Nation Rise and 30 MW South Branch wind farms, both located in Ontario. In the near term, 8-12 GW of energy storage generation is forecast as the optimal to support Canada’s transition and diversify its electricity supply mix by 2025.
