- The $33 million Gleichen solar project, a partnership between the Ermineskin Cree Nation and TIU Canada, will generate 13 MW of electricity by March 2025.
- Construction began in June 2024, involving 32,000 solar panels and benefits from $21.3 million in government funding.
The $33 million Gleichen solar project, a joint effort between the Ermineskin Cree Nation and TIU Canada, will generate 13 megawatts of electricity by March 2025. With a $21.3 million boost from the Canadian government’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREP) program, construction gears toward completion.
Construction teams began work in June 2024 and remain on track. During a recent site visit, Chief Jole Mykat of the Ermineskin Cree Nation emphasised the project’s significance. The Ermineskin Cree Nation holds a 51% stake, placing it at the forefront of local energy development. This venture strengthens the community’s economic base and diversifies its income.
Dan Visser, TIU Canada’s Country Manager, confirmed the steady progress. Crews are installing 32,000 solar panels, 43 inverters, and five medium-voltage transformers to connect the solar farm to Fortis Alberta’s local grid. Visser noted that the project stays on schedule and benefits from existing regional energy infrastructure.
The project’s economic impact reaches beyond electricity generation. Workers have installed nearly 3,000 locally manufactured steel piles, supporting jobs and boosting Alberta’s economy. Visser highlighted this project as an example of how Indigenous communities and private firms can collaborate to drive economic growth.
Set to go online in March 2025, the Gleichen solar project will contribute significantly to local energy needs and advance Canada’s renewable energy goals. This partnership underscores the growing role of Indigenous leadership in the green energy sector.