Research project in Cardston will delve into ‘agrivoltaics’

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 18, 2024.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

An interesting project is making its way to Cardston, thanks to a partnership formed between the town and Sun Cycle Farms.

This agreement comes in the form of a physical location for utility scale demonstration and applied research in agrivoltaics, or the practice of utilizing land both for agriculture and solar power generation.

The farm will look into the synergies of solar panels on operating farmland.

“Having a designated place to implement regenerative agriculture primary production principles and utility scale solar energy production using new and existing technical, scientific and practical approaches will be critical for both companies and landowners,” said Jason Bradley, CEO at SCF. “The activities carried out will allow for significant efficiencies, generating a space for open testing, agile refinements and successful outcomes.”

Bradley continued that this demonstration, which will also serve as a knowledge hub for the possibilities in regenerative agriculture and feasible renewable energy generation, will show off one of the “best dual land use solutions that we have for creating circular economies and revitalizing rural communities.”

Jeff Shaw, CAO at the Town of Cardston, said work done in Cardston may one day become the new benchmark for responsible renewable energy installations.

“As a solar farm owner and operator, the best use of the land used for renewables is always one that needs consideration,” said Shaw. “While the work being done by SCF stands to improve the productivity and use of the Town solar farm, it’s the opportunity to be a part of new and broader elements of research that is the most exciting part.”

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