NextStar Energy, Canada’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, is expanding its remit to include ESS batteries.
From this month, its Windsor, Ontario site will begin producing advanced cells tailored for commercial and grid-scale storage.
“NextStar Energy’s expansion into energy storage reflects the company’s ability to respond and adapt to changing markets,” said Danies Lee, chief executive officer of NextStar Energy. “By adding to our portfolio, we are not only demonstrating our resilience and flexibility as a company, but also our commitment to sustainable innovation, and a lasting footprint here in Windsor.”
The ESS sector is forecast to grow rapidly over the next decade, fuelled by AI data centres and rising demand for grid stability. To meet this, NextStar has introduced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry alongside its existing nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) production. LFP is particularly well-suited to ESS applications.
NextStar will supply ESS batteries to LG Energy Solution and EV batteries to Stellantis, its joint venture partners.
“What’s been a key factor in NextStar Energy’s ability to expand its business has been our people. We have a world-class workforce that prioritises quality, safety and innovation. Our team’s skillset and competence enabled us to not only meet but exceed milestones leading up to the start of production, already making NextStar reliable and highly competitive on a global scale,” said Lee.
Over 1,000 employees have been hired, many trained via Battery Boost – a VR-based programme developed with Invest WindsorEssex and Palette Skills.
