Canada's Solar Surge: Medicine Hat Leads with North America's Largest Urban Solar Park

Canada is witnessing a significant surge in solar energy development, highlighted by the acquisition of North America's largest urban solar park by the city of Medicine Hat, Alberta. This move, alongside a national increase in renewable energy capacity, signals a strong commitment to clean energy transition across the country. The nation's solar and wind sectors have seen substantial growth, with further expansion anticipated in the coming years.

Medicine Hat Secures North America's Largest Urban Solar Project

Medicine Hat, Alberta, has finalized the acquisition of the Saamis Solar Park, a 325 MW project that is set to become the largest urban solar development in North America. Originally developed by DP Energy, the project is situated on a 1,600-acre site, including a capped phosphogypsum stack, transforming contaminated land into a renewable energy hub. The city plans to develop the project in phases, starting with a 75 MW addition to its existing power generation fleet. Once fully operational, the Saamis Solar Park is expected to power approximately 100,000 households and offset around 350,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, utilizing over 600,000 solar panels.

Canada's Renewable Energy Landscape Expands

Canada's commitment to clean energy is further underscored by a 46% growth in wind, solar, and energy storage capacity over the past five years, reaching over 24 GW by the end of 2024, according to the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). This growth includes significant additions in utility-scale solar and wind power, as well as a remarkable 192% increase in energy storage capacity. Projections indicate a continued upward trend, with at least 10,000 MW of new wind, solar, and energy storage expected to be connected by 2030.

Key Takeaways

• Medicine Hat's Saamis Solar Park is North America's largest urban solar project.

• Canada's renewable energy capacity, particularly solar and wind, has grown substantially.

• The nation is on track for significant further expansion in clean energy infrastructure.

Innovative Off-Grid Solar Initiative in British Columbia

In a separate development, the Ulkatcho First Nation in British Columbia is constructing Canada's largest off-grid solar project near Anahim Lake. This initiative is poised to reduce the community's diesel consumption by 64% annually and significantly cut carbon emissions. The project, a collaboration between the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation and BC Hydro, marks a pioneering effort in Indigenous-led clean energy and is expected to be completed in October 2025. This project is supported by various federal and provincial funding programs, emphasizing a commitment to economic reconciliation and clean energy solutions for remote communities.

Alberta Leads in Solar Development

Alberta continues to be a frontrunner in Canada's solar energy market. The province added 402 MW of new solar capacity in 2022 alone, before a temporary moratorium on new projects. The Saamis Solar Park acquisition in Medicine Hat further solidifies Alberta's position, leveraging the city's status as Canada's sunniest city. The province is exploring the integration of battery storage and other renewable sources to support its energy transition goals, driven by both industrial demand and the potential for data center energy needs.

Sources

• DP Energy finalises sale of North America’s largest urban solar park to Canadian city, Energy Global.

• Canada to Build One of the Largest Urban Solar Power Plant Projects in North America, EcoWatch.

• Canada’s wind, solar, and energy storage capacity grows 46% in five years, reports CanREA, Electrical Business Magazine.

• Canada’s biggest off-grid solar project coming to B.C.’s Chilcotin region, The Interior News.

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