Canada Invests in Advanced Solar Technology in Alberta
News release
January 24, 2019 Calgary, Alberta Natural Resources Canada
The Government of Canada is using Canada’s natural resource advantage to enhance our competitiveness and build our economy. This includes efforts to incorporate renewable energy technologies into the power system to create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced funding for the construction of a new solar farm in southeastern Alberta. Located near Suffield, the project will create 23 megawatts of generating capacity using a novel approach designed to capture energy from both sides of the solar panel while it tracks the sun’s daily trajectory.
The Suffield Solar Project, developed and owned by Canadian Solar and its subsidiary, Suffield Solar LP, will employ approximately 250 people during construction and power about 7,400 households annually. It will reduce pollution from the electricity sector in Alberta and demonstrate the potential of two-sided solar panels in Canada.
Funding for the project is being provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Emerging Renewable Power Program. The program has committed $15.3 million over two years for the $49-million solar project, and the $200-million program is part of the Government of Canada’s more than $180-billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
Quotes
“Increasing our expertise, creating jobs and forging ahead with new technologies in high-growth industries like solar will help ensure Canada’s success. On top of providing new sources of electricity to the local grid, increased awareness of renewables will help spur investment and support at the provincial, territorial, municipal and utility levels.”
Amarjeet Sohi
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
“We are happy to partner with NRCan for this project. Canadian Solar, headquartered in Ontario, is a world-leading solar energy solution provider. This project will showcase our latest solar technology in the high-efficiency bifacial modules. Many thanks to NRCan for its support for the development of clean and sustainable energy solutions in Alberta. As an emerging industry around the world, solar project development has realized its great potential in job creation during construction, operation and maintenance. Canadian Solar is fully committed to promoting sustainable development in Canada.”
Dr. Shawn Qu
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Solar
Quick facts
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This emerging solar technology will improve electricity generation despite snow coverage and will increase grid reliability during winter months. The new design will increase the efficiency of energy generation by 10 to 15 percent.
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The Emerging Renewable Power Program provides up to $200 million to expand the portfolio of commercially viable renewable energy sources available to provinces and territories as they work to reduce GHG emissions from their electricity sectors.
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100
NRCan.media_relations-media_relations.RNCan@canada.ca
Vanessa Adams
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
343-543-7645
Vanessa.Adams@canada.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)
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