ESTEVAN – A groundbreaking ceremony was held June 5 at the site of the Turning Sun Solar facility, which is located on land in the RM of Estevan.
“Under our government’s energy security strategy, SaskPower is taking an all-of-the-above generation approach to ensure reliable, affordable power for our growing province,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for SaskPower. “Turning Sun Solar is an example of our commitment to the continued deployment of renewables such as wind and solar as a part of that approach."
“SaskPower has 700 megawatts of wind and solar in development, all of which has strong Indigenous ownership components,” said SaskPower president and CEO Rupen Pandya. “Turning Sun will provide opportunities for Indigenous business and further economic reconciliation while providing affordable power to our grid.”
SaskPower selected Turning Sun Solar, a partnership between Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) and Ocean Man Nakoda Nation, to build, own and operate the facility.
"Breaking ground on Turning Sun Solar is a testament to the dedication of the GSI team, the strength of our partnership with Ocean Man First Nation and the trust placed in us by our stakeholders," said GSI CEO Mazen Turk. "Turning Sun Solar, GSI’s flagship project, reinforces our mission to deliver reliable, sustainable power while fostering meaningful Indigenous partnerships that are core to our organizational ethos."
"Today marks a significant milestone for Ocean Man Nakoda Nation," said Chief Ernest Standingready. "This is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared vision for the future. Hand-in-hand with GSI, we are building a legacy of clean energy, stewardship and creating opportunities for future generations."
Once operational in 2027, SaskPower said Turning Sun Solar will produce the equivalent power for an average of 25,000 homes.
Construction at the facility site began earlier this year.
To date, SaskPower has a total of 30 MW of solar power being provided to the grid by independent power producers (IPP). In addition to Turning Sun, the 100 MW Mino Giizis and Southern Springs Solar projects are also currently in development.
More to come.
