Ocean Man First Nation’s solar power projects are online

Two solar energy projects on the Ocean Man First Nation now are contributing one megawatt to Saskatchewan’s power grid.

In a media release Wednesday, SaskPower said the projects on the First Nation located about 140 kilometres southeast of Regina came online in May.

One of the projects is capable of generating 720 kilowatts and the other can produce 280 kilowatts. That’s enough electricity to power about 200 homes, or more than twice as many as there are on the Ocean Man First Nation.

The projects were part of SaskPower’s Power Generation Partnership Program and are the first First Nations-owned projects completed under the program. The 720-kilowatt project is the largest created as part of the program so far.

“Ocean Man has always been successful in the business of oil and gas, and we will continue to do so,” Chief Connie Big Eagle said in the release. “However, now Ocean Man is pleased to enter into the industry of renewable resources through our green energy company, Second Wind Power Incorporated.

“This is a big deal for our small community, proving once again that Ocean Man may be a small First Nation but we are determined to be a big part of the (Saskatchewan) business community and beyond.”