After years in the making, the Fox Coulee Solar project officially flipped the switch officially marking the completion of the project.
The 93 MWp solar project north of Drumheller near the airport, has the potential to generate nearly 100 GWh of green electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of more than 20,000 homes. While it has been producing since December of last year, it has been progressively increasing its output and commissioning is scheduled in the coming weeks.
“The Fox Coulee solar farm represents a major milestone in our efforts to expand renewable energy in Canada,” said Ryan Dick, Neoen's Province Leader in Alberta of the approximately $130 million project. “This first asset exemplifies our commitment to conduct best-in-class project development work that prioritizes stakeholder engagement and environmental protection and to provide high-quality, sustainable energy solutions that will significantly contribute to both the province's and the country's carbon neutrality. We have high ambitions in Alberta and are currently developing many other solar, wind and battery projects to accelerate the energy transition.”
Reeve of Starland County, Steve Wannstrom, along with Neoen CEO Xavier Barbaro were on hand to cut the ribbon for the opening. The solar farm is 100% owned by Neoen, and when fully operational will avoid around 70,000 tons of CO2 per year.
“Pride is important at Neoen and we are proud of what we do, what we have developed, proud of the relationships we have built because those relationships will be the key to future success,” said Barbaro. “I thank you for your trust, I know it is not always easy to trust a newcomer in the region. We were a newcomer in Canada but I think what we have done with you is evidence that it is a good choice to trust Neoen.”
Neoen was founded in 2008 and is built on being an independent producer of exclusively renewable energy. This was its first major Canadian project and it is developing more. It intends to sell a significant part of the electricity generated, together with the environmental benefits, via power purchase agreements. The remainder will be sold on Alberta's deregulated electricity market. The farm will contribute to the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 set by the Province of Alberta and the federal government.
The site even has a little bit of local flavour. In accordance with its Sustainability Framework, local artist Frank Hatfield of Dinosaur Valley Studios created a model of an Albertosaurus, at the entrance of the photovoltaic plant.
Neoen was founded in 2008 and is built on being an independent producer of exclusively renewable energy. This was its first major Canadian project and it is developing more. It intends to sell a significant part of the electricity generated, together with the environmental benefits, via power purchase agreements. The remainder will be sold on Alberta’s deregulated electricity market. The farm will contribute to the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 set by the Province of Alberta and the federal government.
The site even has a little bit of local flavour. In accordance with its Sustainability Framework, local artist Frank Hatfield of Dinosaur Valley Studios created a model of an Albertosaurus at the entrance of the photovoltaic plant.