This composite map shows the proposed Oyen Solar 1 and 2 locations north of the town of Oyen. The power facility proposals by Universal Kraft Canada Renewables will go to a public regulatory hearing this summer.--Supplied Image/News Graphic
@MedicineHatNews
A plan to build two large solar farms north of Oyen will proceed to a public hearing in August.
The Alberta Utilities Commission announced last week that arguments for and against the proposed 268-megawatt Oyen 1 and 162-megawatt Oyen 2 solar arrays will be heard this summer.
Cumulatively, the projects would cover about 2,400 acres of privately owned cultivated land at two sites located about 15 kilometres north of the town.
The developer, Universal Kraft Canada Renewables, had requested a written hearing for the two projects, while a group of land owners in the area, called the “Oyen Solar Opposition Group,” countered with a request for an oral hearing.
That will take place Aug. 11 following a series of dates this spring where the two sides will exchange evidence.
The proposal was submitted to regulators for approval Sept. 13.
SaskPower green contracts
Potentia renewables has won two long-term contracts from the Saskatchewan Crown power provider to build wind and solar facilities in that province’s south.
The 200-megawatt Rose Valley Wind farm, east of Assiniboia, and the 100-megawatt Southern Springs Solar farm, west of Weyburn, south of Assiniboia, would be built in partnerships with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Mistawasis First Nation.
SaskPower announced the completion of power-purchase agreements on May 1. Construction is expected to be complete in late 2027, and would bring SaskPower’s green generating capacity to 1,217 megawatts of wind and 318 megawatts of solar.
