The Meadow Lake Tribal Council’s (MLTC) solar energy farm was initiated as a result of SaskPower’s Power Generation Partner Program (PGPP) which was announced in the fall of 2018. SaskPower’s PGPP supports the development of new, small renewable and carbon neutral non-renewable energy projects throughout Saskatchewan. The PGPP supports the generation of electricity using a qualified energy resource and the sale of all of the electricity produced back to SaskPower. The PGPP provides streamlined project opportunities across Saskatchewan in areas of high priority to SaskPower. The PGPP has a maximum allowable project size of 1 MW for renewable projects such as solar energy.
MLTC was a successful applicant during the first round of intake applications and was awarded a solar project generating a maximum of 816 kW of electricity. This small 100% Indigenous-owned solar power generation project is a first step for MLTC towards engaging larger renewable energy projects in Saskatchewan which will directly improve the economic outcomes for the ultimate recipients of the project – the nine (9) member-First Nations comprising the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.
The objective of MLTC’s solar energy farm is to create and supply to SaskPower 816 kW of renewable solar electricity for 20 years. In addition, financial benefits generated by the solar project will contribute to achieving MLTC’s broader mandate of enhancing member communities’ economic development and wellness.
The location of the installation was strategically situated in the RM of Tecumseh about 125 km southeast of Regina, Saskatchewan and located on MLTC-affiliated First Nation land. The solar regime (photovoltaic potential) at this location is the best in Canada. The installation includes 3,000 bifacial solar modules installed on a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted racking system. The ultimate recipients of the financial benefits of the solar farm are the Indigenous youth and families of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council located in northwest Saskatchewan.
SaskPower transitioning to purchasing green energy from MLTC is essential to protecting the environment, creating more sustainable communities and building a cleaner future. This project will boost regional economic growth, peak interest and serve as a model for communities across Saskatchewan looking to transition to renewable energy.
The First Nations-owned Meadow Lake Tribal Council Solar Farm will generate carbon-neutral green power using the sun. This solar farm is 816 kWs of electricity and will power approximately 154 homes from renewable energy rather than from non-renewable resources like coal, natural gas or oil. We will remove 616 tons of greenhouse gas for every year or 12,320 tons in the 20 years of the power purchase agreement.
Long-term financial benefits generated by this project will flow directly back into the MLTC communities. Bands can then make the choice to support core programs and service needs (health, education, housing, etc.) or look to projects that have no direct funding support for future development on reserve.
