Drafting vs. Engineering: Choosing the right partner for commercial projects

Energy Storage Canada (ESC) recognized the contributions of six outstanding leaders and innovators on the evening of September 25 at the fourth annual Energy Storage Canada Awards. Presented during the evening reception at ESC's 10thannual conference in Toronto, the recipients were celebrated for their contributions to the industry as part of advancing energy storage deployment and technology as an essential cornerstone of Canada's future energy.

The first award selected by ESC's Board of Directors, the 2025 Energy Storage Trailblazer Award, was presented to Barbara Ellard, Director of Resource System Adequacy, at Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). The award recognizes individuals whose leadership exceeds organizational mandates to shape the sector at large. Barbara's leadership and vision related to the early integration of long duration energy storage (LDES) have been instrumental in the deployment of Ontario's first procurement for LDES assets, one of the first procurements of its kind worldwide.

The 2025 Friend of Energy Storage Award, the second board-selected award, was presented to the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). The award honours an individual or organization outside of the storage industry that has demonstrated staunch support for the sector or played a critical role in enabling its growth. The CIB was recognized for its financial leadership, enabling transformative energy storage projects in several locations across Canada, affirming their bankability and scalability, to accelerate storage deployment nationwide to the benefit of all Canadians.

Reflecting on the evening, Justin Rangooni, Executive Director of Energy Storage Canada, noted: "The 2025 Energy Storage Canada Award recipients showcase the innovation, leadership, and collaboration driving storage to the heart of Canada's clean energy transition. Our recently published Energy Storage Market Outlook projects as much as 37 gigawatts (GWs) of long and short duration will be needed to meet Canada's energy demand between now and 2050. We're excited to continue highlighting the incredible projects that are leading the way."

The 2025 Foundational Research in Energy Storage Award, a new category introduced this year, was presented to JL Richards & Associates. The firm was recognized for their study of the integration of Photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) alone and together, in a residential context. Finding no singular guidelines or standard for residential use, in combination with software and modelling gaps, the report provides a clear framework and use cases for PV & BESS systems in the residential context, providing a centralized resource of reliable information for policymakers, regulators, and developers in the field.

The 2025 Grid Management Storage Award, also introduced this year, went to BluWave-ai. Their EV Everywhere project with Hydro Ottawa combines AI with real-time data from the grid, EVs, and batteries to identify the best time to charge or pause charging, relative to considerations such as energy cost, emissions, and grid stress. Their project demonstrates the potential for advanced intelligence to modernize our electricity grids and to unlock the full potential of the storage assets at our disposal.

The 2025 Landmark Application of Energy Storage Award was awarded to Enwave Energy Corporation for their recent project as part of The Well – a mixed-use community in Toronto's King West Neighbourhood. As part of this community development Enwave pioneered an 8-million litre Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank located six levels underground and stores chilled or heated water produced using off-peak electricity and discharges it during electricity system peaks to efficiently heat and cool buildings while reducing demand on the electricity grid. The project exemplifies how creative engineering, and partnerships can push the boundaries of storage applications in Canada.

Finally, the 2025 Energy Storage Milestone Award was presented to Oneida Energy Storage LP. The Oneida project, a 250 MW/1,000 MWh battery facility now operating in Ontario, is currently the largest of its kind in Canada. At the time of submission, the facility was already delivering its full 1000 MWh capacity during peak demand on some of the hottest days, making it a major milestone for the industry in demonstrating the transformative contributions of large-scale storage projects for Canadian electricity grids.

Launched in 2022 as part of ESC's national annual conference, the Energy Storage Canada Awards celebrate leadership, ingenuity, and impact of the industry as storage scales up to play a central role in Canada's Net Zero future. The call for nominations for the 2026 Energy Storage Canada Awards will open in Spring 2026

Energy Storage Canada | https://www.energystoragecanada.org/

The Nuclear Company, which seeks to deploy gigawatt-scale nuclear power across America, announced a strategic agreement with Nucor Corporation, the leading steelmaker in North America. This agreement aims to promote the revitalization of the country’s nuclear supply chain and build on a shared vision by both companies to grow American manufacturing.

“Nucor is dedicated to rebuilding American energy infrastructure to make it more resilient,” said Leon Topalian, Nucor’s Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our work with The Nuclear Company will help us continue our long-term initiatives to repower the domestic energy sector, as well as reshore manufacturing to lessen American dependence on unreliable foreign global supply chains.”

The Nuclear Company and Nucor will evaluate the promotion of steel materials and related manufacturing that meet the stringent American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ NQA-1 certification standard. The review process will also consider factors, including energy infrastructure and the available workforce, to promote reinvestment in the industrial asset base that has long made America the world’s manufacturing leader.

The partnership follows President Donald J. Trump’s series of executive orders calling for 400 GW of nuclear reactors by 2050 to ensure America has the baseload power required to lead the world in AI. The orders also call for 10 large-scale reactors to be under construction by 2030, as well as strong investments in the American nuclear supply chain for materials, components and fuel.

America’s nuclear supply chain has suffered in recent years as China and Russia have aggressively built reactors and exported competing technologies. A 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Energy found the American nuclear supply chain lacks large forges for the production of gigawatt-scale reactor pressure vessels, with current production concentrated in Asia. A study by the World Nuclear Association found that the number of American facilities certified to produce commercial nuclear-grade components has decreased by more than 40 percent over the past three decades. Over that time, the United States started and built just two nuclear reactors. By contrast, China built 37 reactors in the past decade alone.

“America is at a critical point for power,” said The Nuclear Company Co-Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb. “China is on the verge of becoming the world's largest nuclear power producer, surpassing the United States, just as it did decades ago with manufacturing. Our partnership with Nucor will protect America’s national security, help achieve energy independence and create a more resilient economy.”

The Nuclear Company | www.thenuclearcompany.com

Nucor Corporation | https://nucor.com/

X-ELIO has officially launched operations at its Liberty Energy Project in Dayton, Texas. The Liberty project, which combines 72 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with an additional 60 MW of battery storage capacity, is X-ELIO's first combined solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the United States. With Liberty now operational, 100% of the expected imported power at BASF's Freeport site will be supplied by renewable energy.

The inauguration ceremony at the Liberty site brought together representatives from both companies, along with key stakeholders including institutional representatives, project partners, and members of the local community who have partnered with X-ELIO through its Community & Nature Plan Program.

"The inauguration of the Liberty Project marks an important milestone in our journey toward more sustainable operations and enabling the green transformation of our customers," said Brad Morrison, Senior Vice President and General Manager at BASF Freeport. "Thanks to our partnership with X-ELIO, we are able to supply 100% of our expected purchased power at our Freeport site from renewable sources. This project supports our long-term commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and reflects the kind of collaboration needed to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future." 

BASF will source 48 MW of electricity from the Liberty Project to help power its Freeport site as part of a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) announced in 2022. Freeport is one of BASF's six global Verbund sites, which takes an integrated approach to manufacturing, raw materials and energy management.  

"The Liberty Project represents a major step in our planned expansion in the U.S., a key market for X-ELIO," said Lluís Noguera, Chairman and CEO at X-ELIO. "We are currently developing a pipeline of 2.8 GW of solar PV and 2.1 GW of storage projects to advance competitive energy solutions, support local communities, and power a growing American economy."

"This Project exemplifies how X-ELIO creates high-quality projects that ensure cost-effective and reliable energy, providing significant value to our partners," said Kerri Neary, Country Manager of X-ELIO in the U.S. "We take pride in supporting BASF and playing a role in the economic and social development of Texas, establishing a benchmark for future projects both within the state and beyond."

Social and local commitment

Under the umbrella of its Community & Nature Plan Program, X-ELIO remains committed to supporting local communities and organizations throughout the lifecycle of its projects. In coordination with local partners in the county, the company has undertaken several initiatives to benefit the surrounding neighborhoods.

These include the creation of the Dwelling Garden in Liberty, a shared green space for the community to gather; the construction of a boardwalk at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, improving accessibility for people with reduced mobility, families with children, and all community members; and the restoration of the drainage system at the Liberty Food Bank, enhancing safety and enabling the organization to better serve families in need. X-ELIO has also launched a marketing campaign to recruit volunteers for Meals on Wheels, further supporting the local community.

BASF Corporation | www.basf.com/us

X-ELIO | www.x-elio.com

Local leaders, community groups, and landowners joined executives from Qcells and Cordelio Power to celebrate the newly energized Winfield Solar Project, a 150-megawatt (MW AC) facility located in rural Lincoln County, Missouri. The project achieved commercial operations last month, meaning the solar farm is now fully on-line and is generating revenue for local landowners while delivering clean and affordable electricity. The project represents a significant investment in America’s energy future—delivering homegrown clean power and strengthening the nation’s energy independence.

Under a 15-year power purchase agreement, 100% of the electricity generated by the Winfield project will be delivered to Microsoft, helping the tech leader meet its growing energy needs with renewable power and keeping other energy sources on the grid for the families and small businesses of Missouri. 

The Winfield project was designed and constructed by Qcells, which served as the project’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) provider. Importantly, the project includes solar modules manufactured in Qcells’ Georgia facility, underscoring the role of American workers and American innovation in building a more resilient grid.

“We are grateful for the partnership with this community, Cordelio Power, and Microsoft to provide this homegrown solution for Missourians,” said Chris Hodrick, CEO of Qcells’ EPC Division. “ Qcells is committed to powering communities nationwide with solar panels manufactured right here at home. As energy demand grows, we are showing that we can make it in America, for America, and by American workers.”

The project also delivers meaningful economic benefits to rural Missouri farmers and landowners. Many have leased or sold land for the project, gaining a new source of income and long-term stability.

At a time when energy demand is surging and straining the grid for homeowners, businesses, and farmers, the Winfield project’s 150 MW of clean energy will directly support Microsoft’s operations—reducing stress on the local grid and showcasing the power of solar to deliver reliable, affordable energy where it’s needed most.

The Winfield Solar Project demonstrates how domestically manufactured energy solutions can create jobs, deliver reliable power, and provide economic opportunity for rural communities—showing what’s possible when American innovation and American workers lead the way.

Qcells | https://us.qcells.com/

Cordelio Power | https://cordeliopower.com/

The transition of the heavy-duty and commercial vehicle sector to zero-emission engines is driving the expected production volume of fuel cells. At the same time, electrolysis is gaining importance as a building block for a low-emission energy economy. New production methods are needed to ramp up the market for both technologies. In this context, Fraunhofer ISE has established a versatile platform for research on the production of membrane electrode assemblies to support component manufacturers as well as machinery and plant engineers in addressing production challenges associated with fuel cells and electrolyzers. The focus is on innovative, continuous processes that enable high throughput rates and cost reductions, such as roll-to-roll manufacturing. Furthermore, pro-duction research considers the entire value chain from catalyst powder to 7-layer MEA, including quality control.

© Fraunhofer ISE

Catalyst ink is continuously applied to a transfer foil via a slot nozzle. 

Driven by demands for emission-free heavy-duty and commercial transport, truck manufacturers are currently making substantial investments in both battery-electric and fuel cell-electric systems. The expected production volume for the electrochemical heart of the fuel cell, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), is 1.2 million m² of active MEA area per year for 20,000 trucks (i.e., 30 m² of membrane and 60 m² of catalyst layer per vehicle). For the ramp-up of electrolysis, 25,000 to 35,000 m² of catalyst-coated membrane is required per gigawatt of additional capacity. However, these quantities cannot be achieved with current manufacturing processes. For the expected market ramp-up, existing plant concepts must be adapted and scalable production methods have to be developed.

Flexible research platform

Production research at Fraunhofer ISE considers the entire value chain, from catalyst powder to a 7-layer MEA consisting of a central membrane and two catalyst layers, subgaskets, and gas diffusion layers. The influences of process design and parameters, materials, and component architecture on the cost, quality, and performance of the MEA are being investigated. Fraunhofer ISE researchers are already working on the first process step by investigating various mixing methods for the production of catalyst inks, new materials, and formulations adapted to the respective coating method.

Also, the project team is developing new high-speed production processes and plant concepts for the subsequent production steps, from membrane coating and drying of the catalyst layer to application of the subgaskets and cutting of the gas diffusion layer. In order to achieve the scaling necessary for market ramp-up, Fraunhofer ISE is focusing on continuous roll-to-roll processes. The goal is to achieve a throughput speed of ten meters per minute, a value that is of industrial relevance.

The entire production chain is being tested in industrial pilot plants at Fraunhofer ISE's hydrogen technology center. “We are the only research institute in the world that will have industrial-scale production facilities, including microstructure analysis and characterization of MEAs in the test bench, which allows for rapid transfer from the laboratory to production,” explains Ulf Groos, head of the Fuel Cell Department at Fraunhofer ISE.

© Fraunhofer ISE/Dirk Mahler

The pilot line offers various printing processes for the production of catalyst layers.

Printing processes of the future

A key process step is the production of the catalyst layers, which are applied either onto a transfer foil or directly onto the membrane. In addition to the established slot die coating technology, researchers at Fraunhofer can also explore rotary screen printing and indirect gravure printing through interchangeable printing units. In particular, novel production processes are intended to enable future requirements for structured MEAs, thus paving the way for the production technology of tomorrow. In addition to production research for fuel cell MEAs, the pilot plants can also be used for electrolysis MEAs (proton exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes).

Quality assurance even at high production throughputs

Measurement technologies integrated into the machinery ensure inline quality control, complemented by comprehensive analytical capabilities. "Despite the continuous process, we can track changes in the production process and their effects on later process steps or product quality. We develop a track & trace system that regularly marks and identifies the products," explains project manager Linda Ney from Fraunhofer ISE. The MEAs processed at the pilot plant are also tested for performance in fuel cells under varying operating conditions. 

Fraunhofer ISE | https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en

Kinectrics, a division of BWX Technologies Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), has been awarded a multi-year contract by Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) Ltd., to provide comprehensive commissioning testing services for the A-Nord German Corridor project. This project is jointly being developed by the German Transmission Service Operator (TSO), Amprion.

This large infrastructure project is focused on building a 525kV DC underground cable system capable of transmitting clean energy from the North Sea to the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The A-Nord project is expected to be completed by 2027 and will play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the German power grid aimed at reducing Germany’s CO2 emissions.

Sumitomo Electric is a key technology partner in the project and supplier for corridor A-Nord. In this role, SEI will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, logistics, installation and commissioning of approximately 300km of cable route. As part of SEI’s multi-year contract, Kinectrics will perform commissioning services for Sumitomo by conducting ACHV commissioning testing on 40km sections of the cable route using up to 14 mobile Resonant Test Systems (RTS) equipped with distributed partial discharge (PD) measurement technology to detect defects early in the installation process. As well, Kinectrics will carry out the final HVDC testing of A-Nord to verify system integrity, helping ensure the cables are fit for commercial operation.

With the largest global, independently owned fleet of High Voltage Resonant Test Sets (RTS) and decades of experience in field partial discharge measurements, Kinectrics can effectively partner with utilities, cable manufactures, installers and off- and on-shore developers as a one-stop-shop for independent, self-contained commissioning of long lengths of land and subsea export HVAC and HVDC cable systems. This includes successfully completing field testing to support commissioning and condition assessments on more than 15,000 km of solid dielectric transmission and sub-transmission class cables. Our internationally recognized team of HV cables & test experts can be relied upon to ensure that life-limiting defects in cable systems get detected in cable systems via field-proven test methodologies, reducing the risk of costly in-service failures.

“Kinectrics is looking forward to providing experienced HV cable commissioning testing for the A-Nord project with Sumitomo,” said David Harris, CEO of Kinectrics. “Testing at the early stages of the project reduces the risk of late-stage failures and will ensure that critical functions are validated under real-world conditions. With the expanded capacity of our RTS fleet, our team can leverage its experience operating these units, helping to meet the demands of highly complex transmission projects, as well as reduce the wait and lead times for testing.”

Kinectrics | https://www.kinectrics.com/

Sumitomo Electric | https://sumitomoelectric.com/

Canada is advancing its clean energy transition with a strong focus on hydropower, wind, and solar, supported by federal and provincial policies aimed at achieving a net-zero electricity grid by 2050. The country has committed to phasing out coal-fired power by 2030, while accelerating deployment of non-emitting sources such as hydropower, nuclear, and renewables. Against this backdrop, Canada’s cumulative renewable capacity is forecast to reach 70.9GW in 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during 2024–35, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s report, “Canada Power Market Trends and Analysis by Capacity, Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Regulations, Key Players and Forecast to 2035,” reveals that renewable power generation in Canada grew from 69.5TWh in 2020 to 86.8TWh in 2024 at a CAGR of 5.7%. It is estimated to further increase to 154.5TWh by 2035, recording a CAGR of 5.4% during 2024–35. Large hydropower continues to dominate the capacity mix with 48.5% share in 2024. Wind and solar are the fastest-growing segments, with solar PV projected to expand from 4.5GW in 2021 to 26.1GW by 2035, and onshore wind expected to increase from 14.4GW in 2021 to 35.7GW in 2035.

Mohammed Ziauddin, Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Canada’s federal and provincial governments have laid out a comprehensive policy framework to support renewable expansion. Programs such as the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, the Clean Electricity Regulations, and the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act are providing long-term certainty for investors. In parallel, initiatives like the 30% Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit and CAD10 billion ($7.4 billion) Clean Power stream of the Canada Infrastructure Bank are accelerating deployment of solar, wind, and storage projects across the country.”

Hydropower remains the backbone of Canada’s system, with provinces such as Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia generating significant surpluses that are exported to the US, where Canada sent 34.6TWh of electricity in 2024. Nuclear power also continues to play a vital role, with refurbishment of Ontario’s Darlington and Bruce reactors securing over 10GW of baseload capacity into the 2050s. Meanwhile, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects are under development, including the Darlington SMR expected to be operational by 2030.

Looking ahead, opportunities extend to offshore wind and hydrogen. Atlantic provinces such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are pursuing offshore wind projects, while federal investments, including tax credits and grants, support hydrogen production for domestic decarbonization and exports to global markets. However, challenges remain, including aging transmission infrastructure, regional disparities in resource and policy alignment, and continued dependence on fossil fuel exports, particularly crude oil and natural gas.

Zia concludes: “Canada’s clean energy transition is strongly supported by hydropower and nuclear, with rapid growth expected in wind, solar, and hydrogen. While grid modernization and fossil fuel dependence present structural challenges, federal policies and provincial initiatives are positioning the country to achieve a balanced, low-carbon electricity mix by 2035 and a net-zero grid by 2050.”

GlobalData | https://www.globaldata.com/