First utility-scale solar project in Western Canada under construction

Elemental Energy’s Brooks Solar project under construction, September 2017 Photo: CNW Group/Elemental Energy Inc.

Project started construction and will be online in Q4 2017

The 17 MW Brooks Solar project is under construction and when completed later this year, it will be first-utility scale solar project in Western Canada, according to a press release from Elemental Energy.

“Solar energy will ramp up considerably in Alberta in the coming years,” said Jamie Houssian, Principal of Elemental Energy. “This project will help start that momentum.”

Elemental Energy Inc. closed construction and term debt financing for the project in September. National Bank of Canada is the sole lender on the transaction. Emissions Reduction Alberta is a contributing partner on the project.

After acquiring the project, Elemental engaged stakeholders to complete land agreements. They have completed construction contracts, and secured permits from county and provincial agencies, facilitating the interconnection process with Fortis, AltaLink, and AESO, and completed a power purchase agreement.

The project employs local labour from the town of Brooks and the wider County of Newell area.

Elemental is developing the 15MWac Brooks Solar project on 78 acres of land in the County of Newell, Alberta.

The project started construction in June 2017 and will be online in Q4 2017.

Elemental develops its own projects and works collaboratively with development partners to successfully deliver innovative renewable energy projects through development and construction and into commercial operation.