SaskPower has signed an agreement with First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) to find a proponent to develop, own and operate a 100 megawatts (MW) solar generation facility to be located in south-central Saskatchewan. SaskPower will buy the power generated from this facility through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement.
"This agreement is an example of the Government of Saskatchewan and SaskPower's commitment to economic reconciliation," said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. "The strong participation requirement will ensure more opportunity for Indigenous-owned companies to participate in power generation in the province."
FNPA will seek an independent power producer (IPP) with at least 30% First Nations ownership to design, construct, own and operate the 100 MW solar facility.
"Building off of the success of FNPA's initial 20 MW solar procurement, we are proud to partner with SaskPower to provide this 100 MW solar generation opportunity," said Guy Lonechild, President and CEO of First Nations Power Authority. "This collaboration aims to maximize economic and social benefits for Indigenous communities while greening Canada's electricity grid."
FNPA will facilitate a competitive procurement process and recommend a proponent to SaskPower. The selection process is expected to be complete by mid-2025, with the facility in constructed and in operation by late 2028.
"SaskPower is committed to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions power system by 2050 or earlier," said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO. "To help get there, we plan to add up to 3,000 MW of wind and solar generation by 2035, creating opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses for many years to come."
For more information, please visit saskpower.com/projects. For more information about FNPA please visit FNPA.ca.
At a glance...
- SaskPower and FNPA have signed a 100-MW solar procurement agreement
- FNPA will select a proponent to build the solar facility, which is expected to be online by late 2028
- Successful proponent must have at least 30% First Nations ownership
