Developer proposes new $340M solar farm project for Sturgeon County

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The company estimates the facility could produce enough electricity to power close to 55,000 homes.

Publishing date:

Apr 27, 2022 • 11 minutes ago • 1 minute read • Join the conversation

A pigeon exploits the upper edge of a solar panel at Saint Kateri Catholic School as a perch. The bird, like teh panel beneath it was trying to soak up some of the sun's rays
A pigeon exploits the upper edge of a solar panel at Saint Kateri Catholic School as a perch. The bird, like teh panel beneath it was trying to soak up some of the sun’s rays Photo by RANDY VANDERVEEN

A German-based developer has pitched a new $340 million solar farm project for Sturgeon County it claims will help power hydrogen production and homes in the area.

Alpin Sun is proposing the project, named Sol Aurora, that it claims will be the largest renewable energy development in central Alberta.

In a news release, Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw said the project was important to build the region’s net zero economy.

“We are proud of our ability to continue attracting investments in clean energy that showcase our commitment to sustainability, benefit residents, and aid the decarbonization efforts of the industry.”

The company is seeking regulatory approval to build the farm on land north of Fort Saskatchewan that is zoned for heavy industrial use.

It says construction will begin in early 2023 with the farm being operational by mid-2024.

If completed as planned, the farm’s 480,000 solar panels will produce 386,000 megawatt-hours of electricity and offset 205,000 tonnes of carbon each year.

The company estimates the facility could produce enough electricity to power close to 55,000 homes.

Power generated by Sol Aurora will feed into AltaLink’s Heartland Substation located next to the site of the proposed solar farm.

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