SaskPower has welcomed its second utility-scale solar project onto the provincial power grid. The 10-megawatt (MW) Pesâkâstêw Solar facility, located in the R.M. of Weyburn, will provide enough clean, renewable power for approximately 2,500 Saskatchewan homes.

The addition of the new facility brings Saskatchewan to a total of 70 MW of solar power connected to the grid, with two additional 10 MW projects in the Regina area, Awasis and Foxtail Grove, also currently underway.

“Our goal is to reduce SaskPower’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 50 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President & CEO. “Pesâkâstêw is contributing to our GHG reduction efforts, while providing revenue opportunities for First Nations communities. These partnerships will continue to be valuable as we add more wind and solar to our generation mix.”

Pesâkâstêw Solar Limited Partnership, a partnership between George Gordon Development Ltd., the economic development arm of George Gordon First Nation, Red Dog Holdings Ltd., the economic development corporation of Star Blanket Cree Nation and Natural Forces, a private independent power producer, owns and operates the facility and will sell the power generated to SaskPower as part of a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

“It's George Gordon Developments’ vision to be a leader in First Nation business development as a partner while working to improve the quality of life for our first nation members,” said Glen Pratt, CEO of George Gordon Development Ltd. “With the Pesâkâstêw Solar Project, we are delighted to have been able to lead our nation by improving life sustainability by providing renewable power; the ability to create opportunities to educate and employ our First Nation members; engaging in reconciliation by building lasting relationships with large corporations, federal and provincial government bodies; and lastly, creating unity within our community by working in partnership with a neighbouring Nation, Star Blanket First Nation.”

“We are a proud Nation working with our amazing partners to create this long-term, sustainable renewable energy venture,” said Star Blanket Cree Nation Chief Michael Starr. "This amazing renewable energy journey will benefit, not only our Nation but all Nations including the Indigenous peoples of this land, far into the future. It is one more step to true economic reconciliation.”

“The success of Star Blanket and George Gordon First Nation with Pesâkâstêw Solar Project has proven that First Nation-led projects in partnership with industry are a great solution for adding renewables to the Saskatchewan grid,” said Robert Apold, Natural Forces Principal. “The initiative encountered several challenges, but teamwork and belief in partnerships prevailed."

The Pesâkâstêw and Awasis solar projects were selected by First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) as part of the First Nations Opportunity Agreement in 2019. The agreement is estimated to be worth $40 million over the course of 20 years. The project was funded in part by the Government of Canada.

For more information, please visit saskpower.com/SystemMap.

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At a glance...

• The Pesâkâstêw Solar facility is now operational near Weyburn
• The First Nations-owned facility produces enough power for 2,500 homes
• SaskPower is on track to reduce carbon emissions at least 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030
• For more information, please visit saskpower.com/SystemMap