First Nations Power Authority, SaskPower sign solar power agreement

SaskPower and the First Nations Power Authority are working together on a 100-megawatt solar project in south-central Saskatchewan.

The groups are looking for a proponent with at least 30 per cent First Nations ownership to develop, own and operate the new facility. The procurement process will be handled by FNPA, and SaskPower will buy the electricity generated at the new solar facility through a long-term agreement.

According to SaskPower, a 100-megawatt solar facility is capable of powering about 25,000 homes in the province.

“This collaboration aims to maximize economic and social benefits for Indigenous communities while greening Canada’s electricity grid,” Guy Lonechild, FNPA’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

The selection process is expected to be done by the middle of next year, with the facility expected to begin generating power by late 2028.

Dustin Duncan, the minister responsible for SaskPower, said the agreement is an example of economic reconciliation, which the Crown corporation is committed to.

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“The strong First Nations participation requirement will ensure more opportunity for Indigenous-owned companies to participate in power generation in the province,” Duncan added in a statement.

Rupen Pandya, SaskPower’s CEO, said the company is committed to reaching net-zero power generation by 2050 or sooner, and solar projects will play a big role in that transition.

“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,” Pandya said.

In January, Iyuhána Solar, a company that includes the Ocean Man First Nation, was chosen by SaskPower to build, own, maintain and operate a 100-megawatt solar facility in the Estevan area.

That facility is expected to come online in December of 2026, and will sell its energy to SaskPower through a 25-year deal.