Canada's 'Gas City' Powers Up: North America's Largest Urban Solar Plant Underway

Medicine Hat, Alberta, is set to become home to North America's largest urban solar power park, the Saamis project. This significant renewable energy development, acquired by the city, promises to potentially meet the peak energy demands of its industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Largest Urban Solar Project: The Saamis project in Medicine Hat, Alberta, is poised to be the largest urban solar power park in North America.

• City Acquisition: Medicine Hat has purchased the 325-megawatt (MW) project, with plans for a phased development.

• Contaminated Land Utilization: The solar farm will be constructed on a 1,600-acre plot of contaminated land, transforming it into a productive renewable energy site.

• Potential for Full City Power: Once fully developed, the project could supply enough energy to meet the peak load demand for all of Medicine Hat's consumers.

A Strategic Energy Transition

Medicine Hat, historically known as "Gas City" due to its abundant fossil gas reserves, is strategically embracing renewable energy with the acquisition of the Saamis project. This photovoltaic development, initially progressed by Irish renewables developer DP Energy, is planned for an old industrial site. City officials see this as a crucial step in their energy transition, complementing existing natural gas generation.

Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles

The Saamis project faced challenges, including being caught in Alberta's renewables moratorium last February. This moratorium had established restrictions on projects located on prime agricultural land and areas with significant scenic value. However, the Saamis project's location on contaminated land, deemed well-sited after addressing specific stipulations regarding viewscapes and land use, allowed it to proceed under revised guidelines from the Alberta Utility Commission.

Alberta's Growing Solar Market

Alberta is a leading market for solar power in Canada. In 2022, the province added 402 MW of new solar capacity through 17 projects, significantly boosting its total capacity. The Saamis project is expected to further enhance this growth.

Productive Use of Contaminated Land

A unique aspect of the Saamis project is its location on a 1,600-acre site near the Medicine Hat Complex, Canada's largest fertilizer plant. This land, impacted by solid waste byproducts from nitrogen production, will be capped with clay before the installation of solar panels. This approach offers a productive use for land with limited development potential and contributes to the city's clean energy goals.

Future Energy Considerations

Medicine Hat is also exploring the integration of future solar, wind, and battery storage facilities into its energy strategy. The city is focused on proven technologies that can provide affordable power and meet its carbon compliance goals. While the Saamis project is not directly linked to hyperscale data centers, the city is keeping options open for clean power supply to meet the long-term energy needs of present and future customers, including potential data center developments.

DP Energy, the project's initial developer, sees the Saamis project as a model for other mid-sized cities looking to incorporate large-scale clean power production. The company has a portfolio of renewable energy projects across Canada and internationally, highlighting the significant potential for solar energy in the country.

Sources

• North America’s Largest Solar Plant Is Taking Shape. Yep, in Canada. – Mother Jones, Mother Jones.

• North America’s largest urban solar power plant takes shape – in Canada's ‘Gas City’, Canada's National Observer.