Solar panels are pictured at the Michichi Solar project near Drumheller in this July 2023 file photo.--CP FILE PHOTO
@@CollinGallant
Four major renewable power projects in southeast Alberta will share almost $100 million in federal grants from the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program.
Ottawa announced $152 million for nine projects located in Alberta on Dec. 13 – several days before the federal government’s release of new clean electricity regulations.
Five projects will be awarded $25 million in capital grants to build substantial wind and solar plants, including three near Medicine Hat.
In the southeast, the Big Sky Solar, a 140-megawatt proposal located in Acadia Valley, will receive $25 million, as will Wild Rose Wind farm (south of Medicine Hat) and the AECG Forty Mile wind farm (east of Bow Island).
The Gleichen Solar Project, proposed at 13 megawatts by a partnership between the Erminskin Cree Nation and TIU Canada Solar, will receive $21.3 million.
Other $25-million award winners were the Kilarney Lake Solar Project and the Sadee Solar Project, both located near Wainwright, each owned by Indigenous-owned corporations,
The SunRISE Solar project, in Cardston County, receives $6.2 million to build the four-megawatt array that will pilot an integrated agricultural-green energy model. Clean Communities Corporation is the proponent.
First Nation Power Development Inc. also received $1.1 million to further the purchase of the Tilley Solar Project, in Newell County, by the Alexander First Nation.
Electronic Grid Systems Inc., of Edmonton, received $745,000 to study and test distribution system capacity upgrades.
