Canada’s largest solar energy project gets green light in Calgary

Greengate Power Corporation has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to construct and operate its Travers Solar project pursuant to the Alberta Hydro and Electric Act. Greengate expects to begin construction of the project in 2020, with full commercial operations targeted for 2021.

With an estimated total investment of approximately $500 million, Travers Solar is expected to be Canada’s largest operating solar energy project, and one of the largest in the world, with a total generating capacity of 400 MW. The project is located in Vulcan County, Alberta and is anticipated to operate for more than 35 years.

The AUC conducted an extensive review of the project and found that its approval is in the public interest considering its social, economic and environmental effects.

“We are very pleased to have received approval for what we expect will be Canada’s largest solar energy project and one of the largest in the world,” said Dan Balaban, president and CEO of Greengate. “This continues our successful track record, having already developed some of the largest renewable energy projects in the country. We anticipate that Travers Solar will bring significant investment, employment and clean renewable energy to Alberta while strengthening the province’s position as a global energy and environmental leader.”

Travers Solar is expected to provide substantial economic and environmental benefits and supply a clean and emissions-free source of electricity for more than 100,000 homes. The project is also anticipated to be one of Alberta’s largest producers of environmental attributes for compliance by large emitters under Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program.