Update on the Whitehorse Grid-Scale BESS Project - Fall 2026

Yukon Energy understands that delays to the Whitehorse Grid-Scale Battery Energy Storage (BESS) Project have been frustrating and disappointing. We share that frustration and remain committed to completing this important project and bringing the benefits of grid-scale battery storage to the Yukon’s electricity system.  When operational, the battery will help strengthen the reliability and resilience of the Yukon’s electricity system, providing an additional source of dependable winter capacity and providing firm back-up for current levels of solar and wind power.  The project is being delivered by SunGrid, an external contractor, who recently advised us of a further change to the project schedule. Earlier this spring, SunGrid provided a schedule showing the project could be completed this summer. We were hopeful that the timeline could be met; however, those dates were not achieved.  The continued delays do not meet SunGrid’s commitments to Yukon Energy. Yukon Energy is enforcing the contract, including financial penalties for missed deadlines, while also meeting regularly with SunGrid to ensure the project advances.  Despite the delays, work has continued and there has been progress at the site this summer, including:  Power is now available at the site to support the battery equipment and the testing needed before the facility can begin operating.  Insulating gravel has been installed around the site as an important safety measure.  LG Energy Solution, the battery manufacturer, has been on site preparing and testing the batteries. This work is ongoing.  We have heard concerns raised in the community about battery life and reliability. During an extended period of cold weather last winter, SunGrid’s temporary power source, which supplied heat to the battery containers, failed and exposed the batteries to extremely low temperatures. Although this does not necessarily mean the batteries were damaged, extreme cold can affect their performance. LG Energy Solution’s test results will help determine whether—and to what extent—last winter’s conditions affected the batteries.   Before the battery system is placed into service, the new technology will undergo extensive testing to ensure it operates safely and reliably. We will not rely on the system to meet electricity demand this winter. In the meantime, we have added other sources of supply to the grid since last winter, including two new diesel generators at our existing Whitehorse facility.  This battery project has provided important lessons that Yukon Energy can apply to future projects involving new technologies. As the battery system nears completion, we will undertake a review of these lessons learned. This review will help strengthen the planning, procurement, and delivery of future capital projects.  Yukoners have long been leaders in renewable electricity, and we know there is excitement about bringing this new technology to the North. We appreciate Yukoners’ continued patience as we work to ensure the battery is safely and reliably integrated into our electricity system.  We will continue to provide updates as the project moves forward.