Medicine Hat 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 plant, the Saamis Solar Park. The 325 MW project, developed by DP Energy, has been acquired by the city, marking a significant step in its transition to renewable energy. The park will be situated on a 1,600-acre site, utilizing land previously deemed unsuitable for other development.

A Landmark Renewable Energy Project

The Saamis Solar Park, once fully constructed, is projected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 100,000 households and offset around 350,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. The project involves the installation of over 600,000 solar panels and will create numerous employment opportunities during its construction, operation, and decommissioning phases.

• Capacity: 325 MW

• Location: Medicine Hat, Alberta

• Developer: DP Energy

• Acquired by: City of Medicine Hat

• Estimated Households Powered: 100,000

• Annual Carbon Emission Offset: 350,000 tons

Strategic Acquisition and Phased Development

DP Energy finalized the sale of the Saamis Solar Park to the City of Medicine Hat after securing all necessary planning and environmental approvals. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) approved the transfer, allowing the city to acquire a "ready-to-build" project. Medicine Hat plans to develop the park in phases, with the initial phase adding 75 MW of generation capacity to the city's existing power infrastructure.

Utilizing Brownfield Land for Clean Energy

The solar park is strategically located on a 1,600-acre plot of contaminated land, which includes a capped phosphogypsum stack. This initiative represents a productive use of land with limited development potential, transforming it into a source of clean, renewable power. The site's suitability is further enhanced by Medicine Hat's status as Canada's sunniest city, boasting an average of 330 sunny days per year.

Economic Considerations and Future Outlook

While the acquisition is seen as a strategic move to mitigate carbon levies and diversify the city's energy portfolio, it has also sparked public debate regarding its financial sustainability. Critics have raised concerns about potential costs and the volatility of renewable energy economics. However, city officials highlight the project's potential to reduce operating expenses and generate revenue through carbon credits, which could offset compliance costs associated with provincial carbon levies. Medicine Hat is also exploring the integration of battery storage and other renewable energy sources to further its clean energy transition.

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.

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

• Medicine Hat acquires largest urban solar project in Canada, Faces economic scrutiny, pvbuzz media.

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