Utility-scale solar play goes online near Swift Current

By medicinehatnews on October 13, 2021.

Saskatchewan’s first utility-scale solar power facility has gone into operation near Swift Current, SaskPower announced on Oct. 8.

Highfield Solar plant can produce 10 megawatts of renewable energy at peak production, enough to provide power needs for 2,500 homes.

The solar array, located in the R.M. of Coulee, southeast of Swift Current, was built by “miEnergy” of Saskatoon as the main contractor.

It is owned and will be operated by Saturn Power, an independent Ontario-based private utility company, under contract to the Crown power company.

Highfield is the first of four similarly sized projects with such supply contracts, including two in partnership with First Nations, all located near Regina or Weyburn.

Another 20 megawatts will be added through the Generating partners program with industrial facilities. SaskPower’s goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, when coal-fired plants will be phased out.

Work is underway on the “Great Plains Generating Station” located near Moose Jaw, the second in an effort to bring new major gas-fired stations online in the province, along with the completed Chinook station near Swift Current.

The 36-megawatt station broke ground in July and could be operating by the end of 2024, according to SaskPower.