(Alexander Manykin/Dreamstime.com) : Alexander Manykin (Alex3)

By Tyler Marr

GOING GREEN

Muskoday, MLTC among First Nations approved for self-generation energy projects

Feb 22, 2019 | 5:00 PM

A solar power project capable of producing up to 324 kilowatts of electricity will soon take shape on the Muskoday First Nation (MFN).

The community is home to one of 23 solar projects and 15 flare gas projects recently approved by SaskPower as part of the Power Generation Partner Program (PGPP). The PGPP will add 70 to 105 megawatts of renewable and carbon-neutral electricity generation projects to the grid over the next two to three years.

The PGPP, announced in fall 2018, accepted 10 megawatts of solar generation and 25 megawatts of carbon-neutral generation. The largest allowable individual project is 1 MW for renewable and 5 MW for carbon-neutral.

Coun. Randy Bear said MFN’s economic development arm, known as MEDA, has worked in partnership with CBI Solar on the endeavour for several months.

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Though Bear was disappointed the full 1 MW generation project was not approved, he said the band believes this will get the First Nations “foot in the door to ensure future projects with SaskPower.”

“We are looking towards the future and developing renewable resources such as wind, solar and other alternatives to the current producing models,” Bear said. “This is an important milestone for Muskoday.”

While the fine details of the project still need to be fleshed out with CBI Solar, Bear said the project will bring employment opportunities through construction and maintenance, and revenue for the community.

Bear said the renewable energy project runs parallel with Indigenous philosophy about respect for the environment, mother nature and resources.

“We are all trying to do our best to go to green and clean sustainable energy,” he added.

The Meadow Lake Tribal Council was approved for an 816 kilowatts solar project.

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tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr