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An ambitious renewable energy initiative is underway in Medicine Hat, Alberta, as the city moves forward with North America’s largest urban solar power park—the Saamis solar project. This 325-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic development aims to repurpose an old industrial site, potentially providing clean energy to approximately 65,000 residents.
The Saamis project is being developed on contaminated land in northeast Medicine Hat, an area historically associated with fossil fuel extraction. The project represents a significant transformation of this land, as it will not only utilize a site with limited development potential but also contribute to the city’s shift toward renewable energy sources. The initiative was originally led by the Irish firm DP Energy, which has recently sold the project to the city; the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
Construction is set to begin in phases, with an initial 75 MW expected at an estimated cost of $120 million. A final decision regarding the first phase is anticipated later this year. The project has navigated several regulatory challenges, including Alberta’s temporary moratorium on renewable energy approvals due to concerns over agricultural land and landscapes. However, careful planning and adjustments allowed the Saamis project to proceed.
Covering a 1,600-acre area near Canada’s largest fertilizer plant, the Saamis solar park will incorporate measures to cap contaminated land with clay before solar panel installation. This approach highlights the potential for integrating renewable energy within existing industrial infrastructure while minimizing disruption to agricultural activities.
With its favorable climate for solar energy, Medicine Hat is strategically positioned to enhance its energy production. The city is also exploring the incorporation of wind energy and battery storage solutions to bolster energy reliability. The Saamis project is part of a broader trend in Alberta, which added 402 MW of solar capacity in 2022, bringing its total solar capacity to over 1,150 MW.
Looking ahead, DP Energy remains committed to expanding its solar initiatives across Canada, with ongoing discussions about new projects in provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. The Saamis project signifies a critical advancement in Canada’s transition to clean energy, with the country’s solar capacity nearly reaching 6,500 MW in 2022—enough to supply power to around 500,000 homes.
As Medicine Hat explores ways to support its industrial consumers and emerging energy-intensive sectors, the Saamis project stands out as a pivotal step toward achieving energy independence and sustainability.
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