By Canadian Press

Province partnering with First Nations to create largest off grid solar project

Feb 8, 2019 | 7:15 AM

Alberta is partnering with First Nations to create Canada’s largest off-the-grid solar power project.

It will see 7,500 solar panels erected at the power plant near the airport at Fort Chipewyan, in the remote northeastern part of Alberta.

Once it is up and running in 2020, the solar farm will replace the equivalent of 800,000 litres of diesel fuel, representing about 25 per cent of the community’s energy use.

Alberta is contributing $3.3 million from its Climate Leadership plan and is partnering with the Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations along with local Metis.