DP Energy, an Irish developer specializing in large-scale renewable energy projects globally, has secured approval for the 325 MW Saamis solar project in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.
This landmark approval follows a public hearing held in the city in April and marks a significant step towards building North America’s largest urban solar installation.
Saamis Solar Park: Supporting Alberta’s Renewable Energy Goals
Located in the northwest of Canada’s sunniest city, the Saamis Solar Park is set to play a crucial role in Alberta’s ambitious target of generating 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The project is expected to produce enough electricity to power approximately 250,000 homes while offsetting around 300,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
Employment and Economic Benefits
With over 600,000 solar panels, the Saamis Solar Park will create numerous direct employment opportunities during its construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning.
Moreover, it will generate substantial indirect job opportunities across the entire supply chain, contributing to the local and regional economy.
Innovative Repurposing of Brownfield Site
Nearly half of the 1,600-acre project site is situated on a contaminated brownfield area consisting of capped phosphogypsum stacks, a byproduct of fertilizer production.
This represents the largest of three projects DP Energy has undertaken on similar brownfield sites, with the 64 MW Barlow and Deerfoot solar park in Calgary already operational since last year.
DP Energy’s Extensive Renewable Energy Portfolio
DP Energy’s development portfolio in Canada extends beyond solar, encompassing the proposed 200 MW Miyopiyiwin wind project in Saskatchewan, in partnership with Piapot First Nation, and the 400 MW Nova East wind project, a joint venture with SBM Offshore, poised to be Canada’s first offshore wind development.
Global Track Record and Commitment to Sustainability
With its headquarters in Buttevant, North Cork, and over 30 years of experience, DP Energy has facilitated 1.5 GW (1533 MW) of renewable energy generation through 21 major infrastructure projects worldwide.
The company currently boasts a pipeline of 9.7 GW of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia, and Canada.
Sustainability at the Core
DP Energy’s founding principle is a commitment to employing the most sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in all its energy developments.
This includes minimizing impact on other species, such as marine mammals. This commitment remains central to the company’s ongoing activities.
Celebration of Project Milestone
Damian Bettles, DP Energy’s Head of Development for Canada, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the project’s approval, stating, “The Saamis Solar Park is a fantastic productive use of the land, which will create local jobs and contribute to Alberta’s emission reduction goals. This approval marks a significant milestone for the project and a critical step as we move towards the start of construction.”