Medicine Hat Shines: North America's Largest Urban Solar Plant Takes Root

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 plant will be situated on a 1,600-acre site, utilizing land previously impacted by industrial activity.

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 project to the City of Medicine Hat after securing necessary approvals from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The city plans to seek an amendment to construct the Saamis Solar Park in phases, with the initial phase adding 75 MW of generation capacity. This phased approach will allow the city to integrate the new capacity strategically with its existing energy infrastructure.

Utilizing Brownfield Site for Clean Energy

The solar park is being developed on a 1,600-acre brownfield site, which includes a capped phosphogypsum stack. This repurposing of contaminated land highlights a productive use of space with limited development potential, transforming it into a source of clean, renewable power. Medicine Hat, known as Canada's sunniest city, is well-positioned to leverage its abundant sunshine for solar energy generation.

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 financial sustainability. Critics have raised concerns about the project's economic viability and have called for greater public input. City officials, however, emphasize the potential for reduced operating expenses and revenue from carbon credits. 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.