Duchess Solar secures $48M financing to build in Newell County

By Collin Gallant on May 22, 2025.

Medicine Hat News

A solar project in the County of Newell is moving ahead with financing package totalling nearly $50 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and private sector loans guaranteed by the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corp.

Duchess Solar, a proposed 19.8-megawatt array near the hamlet of the same name north of Brooks, was developed by Elemental Energy and is majority-owned by the Cold Lake First Nation.

The federal infrastructure financing agency will provide a loan of $21 million from its “Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative” program and a $5.2-million loan from its “Indigenous Equity Investment” program.

A further loan of $21 million from Equitable Life is guaranteed by the provincial AIOC, bringing the financing total to $48.1 million.

“With the CIB’s loan paired with private capital and a provincial loan guarantee, Cold Lake First Nations will benefit from meaningful, long lasting and direct economic benefits for future generations,” stated Ehren Cory, the CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Rawjan Sawney said “This new solar farm is a shining example of the diverse and forward-looking projects supported by the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.”

“By empowering Indigenous communities to invest in Alberta’s energy future—whether in traditional or renewable sectors—we’re supporting local economies, creating jobs and building a stronger, more inclusive economy for generations to come.”

Elemental has previously commissioned the Brooks Solar 1 and 2 arrays in Southeast Alberta, as well as Chappice Lake solar and storage facility, northeast of Medicine Hat.

The project is expected to employ 100 workers during construction and several operational position going forward.

[Editors Note: This version of the report clarifies the breakdown of loans provided by the Canada Infrastructure Bank and private lenders, as well as corrects the name of the Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations. Rajan Sawney was named the new minister on May 16.]