#Australia #New South Wales #Canadian Solar #e-STORAGE #OX2

Canadian Solar Partners with OX2 for Renewable Energy Enhancement

On October 6, 2026, Canadian Solar Inc., a powerhouse in the solar technology sector, announced a collaborative project with OX2, designed to elevate renewable energy solutions using battery storage technology. e-STORAGE, a dedicated segment of Canadian Solar focusing on energy storage innovations, will supply and commission a groundbreaking 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at OX2's Muswellbrook Solar Farm located in New South Wales, Australia.

Launching the Project

The implementation of this project comes as a timely response to the ongoing energy transition in Australia, particularly in the Hunter Region. The shipment of the battery systems is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2027, with full operational capability expected by the third quarter of 2028. Canadian Solar plans to manufacture the battery cells and SolBank systems internally, ensuring meticulous quality control and maintaining transparency throughout the supply chain.

The battery storage solution will feature advanced SolBank 3.0 containers paired with state-of-the-art Power Conversion Systems (PCS), comprehensive plant controls, and the innovative EQ-S Energy Management System (EMS), all developed by e-STORAGE’s skilled software team based in North America. This all-encompassing approach positions e-STORAGE as a one-stop provider, responsible not only for enhancing the integration of this hybrid power solution but also overseeing its commissioning and ensuring a seamless connection to the grid.

A noteworthy aspect of this partnership is a 20-year long-term service agreement (LTSA) that ensures consolidated responsibility for hardware, proprietary software, and performance metrics, thereby providing OX2 with a reliable single partner throughout the project lifecycle.

Significance of the Project's Location

The Muswellbrook project site is notably strategically placed on approximately 2.5 kilometers east of Muswellbrook, on land that was previously utilized for coal mining. As the area anticipates the retirement of its aging coal power plants in the following years, this initiative signifies an essential transition towards a more sustainable energy future. The storage system is engineered to capture excess solar energy produced during peak sunlight hours and release it during times of heightened demand, thereby offering consistent power delivery despite the intermittence often associated with solar generation.

Beyond its immediate operational advantages, this battery storage system presents an opportunity for OX2 to fulfill the long-term hybrid power purchase agreement tied to the project, thereby converting the irregular solar output into a stable and contracted energy supply. By enhancing the grid's reliability in a transitioning coal-dependent area, the BESS plays a pivotal role in providing dependable renewable energy to local communities throughout the Hunter Region.

Comments from Leadership

Steve Symons, Vice President at OX2 Australia, expressed excitement about the transformative nature of the battery storage project, stating, "This battery storage system is what turns Muswellbrook into a true hybrid facility — pairing solar generation with storage so we can capture energy when the sun is shining and deliver it when the grid needs it most. It's a key step in providing firm, reliable renewable power to the Hunter region."

Jeff Roy, President of e-STORAGE, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pressing need for effective energy storage solutions: "Australia's energy transition is being decided in regions like the Hunter, where storage now has to carry the load that retiring coal once did. We control this project from the cell through to our own energy management software and 20 years of service, which means OX2 has one partner accountable for how the system performs over its full life."

About Canadian Solar Inc.

Canadian Solar stands as one of the largest solar power technology companies in the world. Since its inception in 2001, headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the company has maintained a leading position in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules and battery energy storage systems. Over 25 years, Canadian Solar has delivered nearly 180 GW of solar modules across global markets, asserting its status as a trusted entity in the renewable energy landscape.

For further information regarding Canadian Solar and its operations, visit www.canadiansolar.com. Additionally, more insights into e-STORAGE's projects can be accessed via their dedicated website.