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Conklin Métis win power contracts with Alberta Infrastructure

Last Updated Feb 20, 2019 at 6:57 am MDT

Left to Right: John Gorman (CanSIA), Ryan Tourigny (Canadian Solar), Shirley Tremblay (President of Conklin Métis Local 193 and CRDAC Board of Director), and the Honourable Shannon Phillips (Minister of Environment and Parks and the Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office). Photo supplied by the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee.

The sun over Conklin will shine a little bit brighter, thanks to a boost of solar power.

The ministry of Alberta Infrastructure awarded Conklin Métis Local 193 and Canadian Solar Inc. 94 megawatts (MWp) of power contracts with Alberta Infrastructure.

Shirley Tremblay, President of Métis Local 193, said they’re excited and value the opportunity to invest in renewable energy.

“This partnership will help diversify our investment portfolio and the financial benefits will support our Community in key social and economic initiatives. We applaud the Government of Alberta and Canadian Solar for their progressive mentality and look forward to a long-lasting, prosperous relationship.”

The three projects include the Jenner, Tilley and Hays solar projects which will supply 55 per cent of the provincial government’s need for electricity.

The contract, priced at an average $48.05 per megawatt-hour (MWh), is expected to power more than 20,000 homes when they fire up in 2021.

Panels will be two-sided, which are well-suited to Alberta winters.

They generate 5-20 per cent more energy and the reflection of sunlight on the snow can be captured on the back side of the panel.