LAKESHORE, Ontario, Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex inc. (“Boralex”) (TSX: BLX), in partnership with Walpole Island First Nation, announces the commercial commissioning of Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage, Boralex’s first energy storage facility in operation in North America. Located in the Municipality of Lakeshore, Ontario, the 80 MW / 320 MWh facility marks a major milestone in Boralex’s 2030 Strategy and its expansion into large-scale storage solutions.
Through a joint approach with Walpole Island First Nation, the Tilbury Battery Storage Project was renamed as the Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage. The term “Sanjgon,” derived from the Nishnaabemwin language, evokes the traditional storage practices used by the Nation’s families.
Developed in close collaboration with Walpole Island First Nation, the facility reflects Boralex’s commitment to respectful, long-term partnerships with Indigenous and local communities. A Community Benefit Agreement with the Municipality of Lakeshore will provide $1,000 per MW annually for the life of the project to support local initiatives.
The commissioning of this site stands as a symbol of our commitment to delivering high-value projects for our shareholders. With Sanjgon now operational and the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park scheduled for commissioning in the coming weeks, Boralex will reach 380 MW of installed storage capacity in Canada – making it the largest battery storage operator in the country. Additional storage projects are under development, including the Oxford project, which is expected to begin construction shortly.
Highlights
- First of its kind: Sanjgon is Boralex’s first operational energy storage facility in North America.
- Community partnerships:
- 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 continuous full-power delivery to the grid.
- 89 Tesla Megapack 2XL units — fully integrated, utility-scale lithium-ion battery systems.
- Ontario grid stabilization and reliability:
- Sanjgon was selected through the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Expedited Long-Term Request for Proposals
- The project directly supports Ontario’s Resource Adequacy Framework, helping meet growing electricity capacity needs while enhancing grid reliability and resilience.
Quotes
“We are pleased to reach this major milestone for the Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage facility and our community. The Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage facility marks a significant step toward a cleaner, more reliable energy future. Walpole Island First Nation values this partnership with Boralex, working together to advance sustainable solutions that benefit our communities for generations to come.”
Leela Thomas, Chief of Walpole Island First Nation
“The Independent Electricity System Operator’s competitive procurements continue to deliver cost-effective projects that will help keep Ontario’s grid reliable and affordable. The Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage project is an example of how we are working with Indigenous communities, municipalities, private industry and government to build out the province’s electricity system and support Ontario’s economic growth.”
Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator
“The Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage Facility exemplifies Ontario’s commitment to innovation and energy reliability. This project strengthens our grid, supports economic growth, and reflects the collaborative spirit that drives progress in our region.”
Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
“Hosting the Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage facility is a source of pride for Lakeshore. Our communities are proud to play a role in advancing Ontario’s clean energy future. Projects like this one strengthen our energy infrastructure and deliver long-term benefits for Lakeshore residents and businesses.”
Tracey Bailey, Mayor, Municipality of Lakeshore
“The commissioning of the Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage Park marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward a more flexible, resilient and affordable energy system. It’s a concrete step forward in delivering on our 2030 Strategy and create durable value for our shareholders, expanding our presence in storage, and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and community partnerships.”
Patrick Decostre, President and CEO of Boralex
“Sanjgon is a clear demonstration of our ability to deliver high-impact, community-rooted infrastructure. I want to acknowledge the dedication of our teams and the strength of our collaboration with Walpole Island First Nation and the Municipality of Lakeshore. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for a new chapter in Ontario’s renewable energy future—one built on trust, innovation, and shared ambition, and designed to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all.”
Robin Deveaux, Executive Vice President and General Manager, North America, Boralex
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, within the meaning of securities legislation. Boralex would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results or the measure it adopts could differ materially from those indicated by or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular forward-looking statement. Unless otherwise specified by the Company, the forward-looking statements do not take into account the possible impact on its activities, transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after the statements are made. There can be no assurance as to the materialization of the results, performance or achievements as expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless required to do so under applicable securities legislation, Boralex management does not assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or other changes.
About Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong Territory)
Walpole Island First Nation, known as Bkejwanong, meaning “where the waters divide,” is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located at the mouth of the St. Clair River in southwestern Ontario. Home to members of the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa Nations, Bkejwanong is rich in culture, language, and traditional knowledge. The community is deeply connected to the land and waters, maintaining some of the most ecologically significant wetlands in the Great Lakes region. Guided by the values traditional stewardship, Walpole Island First Nation continues to protect its natural environment, promote cultural revitalization, and build a strong, healthy, and sustainable future for generations to come.
About Boralex
At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 35 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has increased by more than 50%, reaching 3,303 MW as at September 30, 2025. Since then, the Corporation has commissioned a new wind farm with a capacity of 100 MW, bringing total installed capacity to 3,403 MW as of today. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Recognized as Best Corporate Citizen in Canada by Corporate Knights, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.
For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.ca. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
For more information
| MEDIA – Walpole Island First Nation | |
| Darr Sands Communications Coordinator Walpole Island First Nation 519-627-1481 ext. 1264 |
Source: Boralex inc.
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