Potentia Secures CA$542M Debt Financing for Canada’s Largest BESS

Why It Matters

The development secures critical storage capacity for Ontario’s grid, enabling higher renewable penetration and supporting projected demand growth through 2050.

Key Takeaways

• 411 MW/1,644 MWh Skyview 2 becomes Canada’s largest BESS
• CA$542 million financing secured from KfW IPEX and Desjardins
• e‑Storage supplies 390 SolBank 3.0 units, 21‑year service
• Project supports Ontario’s Long‑Term Reliability storage procurement
• Boosts grid reliability as Ontario demand rises to 2050

Pulse Analysis

Ontario’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving, and the Skyview 2 battery storage project exemplifies the scale required to balance a cleaner grid. At 411 MW, the system dwarfs existing Canadian installations and positions the province as a continental leader in grid‑connected storage. This capacity not only buffers intermittent wind and solar output but also provides ancillary services such as frequency regulation, which are essential for maintaining system stability as renewable shares climb.

The financing structure behind Skyview 2 highlights a growing confidence among international and domestic lenders in large‑scale storage. KfW IPEX‑Bank’s role as sole bookrunner and Desjardins’ dual function as administrative and collateral agent illustrate a collaborative risk‑sharing model that reduces capital costs and extends loan tenors to match the 21‑year service life of the EPC contract. Such long‑term financing is pivotal for developers, allowing them to lock in favorable rates and attract equity partners while ensuring the project’s financial viability throughout its operational horizon.

Strategically, the BESS aligns with Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan, which targets a substantial increase in storage capacity to accommodate rising electricity demand projected to surge sharply by 2050. By delivering firm capacity and rapid response capabilities, Skyview 2 will help defer costly transmission upgrades and enable greater renewable integration across the province. The partnership with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan also underscores the expanding role of Indigenous stakeholders in Canada’s clean‑energy transition, setting a precedent for future collaborative infrastructure projects.

Deal Summary

Potentia Renewables closed financing for the 411 MW/1,644 MWh Skyview 2 battery energy storage system in Ontario, the largest BESS in Canada. German bank KfW IPEX‑Bank and Desjardins Group are providing about CA$542 million in construction and long‑term operational financing, acting as joint lead arrangers. The project, owned by PSEIP and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, will be built by e‑Storage, Canadian Solar’s EPC subsidiary.