Ottawa announces $15.3M for solar project in southeast Alberta

The federal government has announced a $15.3-million funding commitment for a solar energy project in southeast Alberta.

The funding, to be spread out over two years, will help fund the construction of a $49-million solar farm near Suffield, Alta.

The Suffield Solar Project is owned and developed by Canadian Solar and will employ about 250 people during its construction.

Once operational, it will create 23 megawatts of generating capacity, enough to power about 7,400 homes.

“Increasing our expertise, creating jobs and forging ahead with new technologies in high-growth industries like solar will help ensure Canada’s success,” said Amarjeet Sohi, the federal minister of natural resources, in a news release on Thursday.”

“On top of providing new sources of electricity to the local grid, increased awareness of renewables will help spur investment and support at the provincial, territorial, municipal and utility levels.”

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The Suffield project will utilize special solar panels that allow energy to be collected on both sides while tracking the sun’s trajectory.

Natural Resources Canada says the new design will be able to increase the efficiency of solar energy generation by 10 to 15 per cent.

Construction is slated to begin this spring.

—With files from CHAT News