Solar facility – Canada’s largest – up and running in southern Alberta

The Claresholm Solar Project in southern Alberta has achieved commercial operation and is producing clean, renewable power.

Located in the Municipal District of Willow Creek, the majority of its power and emission offsets are sold to TC Energy while the remainder is sold to the province’s wholesale power pool.

Canada’s largest solar facility is a partnership arrangement between Capstone Infrastructure Corp. and Obton A/S.

The project provided more than 350 full-time positions during construction while more than 650 employees were realized at peak time.

“I’m tremendously proud of our team for safely and successfully completing the Claresholm Solar Project, now Canada’s largest operating solar farm,” David Eva, CEO, Capstone, said. “This was an ambitious project with tight timelines, and Capstone, along with PCL and all our suppliers, had the added burden of overcoming the numerous challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which they passed with flying colours. Working creatively and with unmatched dedication is integral to Capstone’s business philosophy, and we are extremely pleased to support TC Energy and the critical role that such corporate PPAs (power purchase agreement) play in accelerating the transition to clean energy across North America.”

Corey Hessen, senior vice-president and president power, storage and commercial marketing, TC Energy, said the power purchase agreement represents another step towards reducing emissions and growing the power business across North America.

Mikkel Berthelsen, partner at Obton A/S, said the project began with a good idea, “and today after many ups and downs the project has been fully commissioned and will be an important power plant in Alberta, which we are extremely proud of being a part of.”