CanREA member companies eager to invest significantly in renewable-energy projects benefitting Saskatchewan communities
Ottawa, June 17, 2021—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) commends SaskPower for awarding its latest wind-energy procurement contract to generate non-greenhouse-gas-emitting power at competitive prices for ratepayers across the province.
“We are excited by the results of SaskPower’s most recent competition,” said CanREA’s President and CEO, Robert Hornung. “Our members are eager to make significant investments in Saskatchewan under the provincial ‘Prairie Resilience’ climate plan. The strong interest in this recent RFP makes it clear that wind energy is well positioned to contribute much more to Saskatchewan’s future need for low-cost, non-greenhouse-gas-emitting generation.”
As announced today, SaskPower has awarded the 200 MW Bekevar Wind Energy Project to Renewable Energy Systems (RES), a CanREA Champion member, and the Awasis Nehiyawewini Energy Development company, owned by the Cowessess First Nation.
It will be located in southeastern Saskatchewan, across the RM of Hazelwood, the RM of Kingsley and the Cowessess First Nation.
The facility will come online in 2023. This is a 25-year contract to provide clean, non-emitting electricity to SaskPower at the lowest-ever price for renewable electricity in Saskatchewan history.
“SaskPower’s competitive approach has once again allowed Saskatchewan to succeed in attracting significant investments in low-cost electricity that will provide significant economic benefits to host communities and the province as a whole,” said Hornung.
This new wind-energy project will provide annual revenues to host communities, lease revenues to landowners, contracting opportunities to local business, as well as construction and operational job opportunities, including commitments to Indigenous employment and subcontracting opportunities.
Earlier this year, SaskPower announced plans to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, with renewable energy as a cornerstone of this plan.
“CanREA is eager to see further growth in renewables in Saskatchewan, as the government and SaskPower seek to achieve these ambitious goals,” said Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Senior Director for Western Canada.
“The transition to a non-emitting grid is critical in the fight against climate change. Saskatchewan has vast, world-class wind and solar resources which, combined with recent technological improvements and price reductions, give SaskPower the tools required to accelerate their progress on this goal,” said Wilson.
More investment in wind energy, solar energy and energy-storage technologies will be a key tool in meeting these GHG emissions-reduction targets, and CanREA looks forward to many more such announcements to come.
Quotes
“CanREA is excited by the results of SaskPower’s most recent competition. Our members are eager to make significant investments in Saskatchewan under the provincial ‘Prairie Resilience’ climate plan.”
—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO
“The strong interest in SaskPower’s recent RFP makes it clear that wind energy is well positioned to contribute much more to Saskatchewan’s future need for low-cost, non-greenhouse-gas-emitting generation.”
—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO
“SaskPower’s competitive approach has once again allowed Saskatchewan to succeed in attracting significant investments in low-cost electricity that will provide significant economic benefits to host communities and the province as a whole.”
—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO
“CanREA is eager to see further growth in renewables in Saskatchewan, as the government and SaskPower seek to achieve ambitious goals.”
—Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Senior Director for Western Canada
“The transition to a non-emitting grid is critical in the fight against climate change. Saskatchewan has vast, world-class wind and solar resources which, combined with recent technological improvements and price reductions, give SaskPower the tools required to accelerate their progress on this goal.”
—Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Senior Director for Western Canada
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About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our vision is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix.
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For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Bridget Wayland, Communications Director
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
613-227-5378
bwayland@renewablesassociation.ca
