The competitive process for Saskatchewan's first 10 megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar project is moving forward with the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of the competition.
"This solar power project is part of our government's commitment to reach 50 per cent renewable energy capacity by 2030. As we move forward with this commitment, we will continue to invest in renewables such as wind and, as seen today, solar," said Minister Responsible for SaskPower Gordon Wyant. "Not only is this the first time Saskatchewan has seen a competitive process for a solar project of this scale, it is also the first Canadian utility-scale solar project outside of Ontario."
In late 2016, SaskPower issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to identify independent power producers. The 34 proponents that have qualified under the RFQ will be moving forward into the RFP (Request for Proposal) phase.
Participants in the RFP process will have the option of either selecting a site put forward by SaskPower or proposing a different location. As part of this first project, SaskPower has been evaluating a potential location for a site in southern Saskatchewan. When siting a project of this nature, standard criteria such as environmental impact, proximity to electrical infrastructure, and local community input are considered. More information on the location will become available once the RFP process and proposal evaluations have been completed.
"This is the next step in SaskPower's plan to add 60 MW of solar power to the province's power grid," said SaskPower President & CEO Mike Marsh. "To meet this goal, SaskPower will also be looking at community-based projects and a partnership with First Nations Power Authority for utility-scale projects."
SaskPower's long-term plan is to double the percentage of renewable generating capacity in Saskatchewan's generation mix from 25 per cent today to as much as 50 per cent by 2030
Participants will have until Sept. 29 to submit their proposal. SaskPower will then review and evaluate all proposals equally through an open, fair and transparent process. This project is expected to be in service in late 2018.
For more information on SaskPower's plan for renewables, see our Renewables Roadmap. #PowerToGrow
At a glance...
- Competitive process for utility-scale solar project now in the RFP stage.
- This project will contribute to SaskPower's long-term plan to double the percentage of renewable generating capacity in Saskatchewan.
- Location of site is still to be determined.
- Project expected to be in service by the end of 2018.
