June 29, 2023 Kipling, Saskatchewan Natural Resources Canada
Canada is advancing toward a prosperous low-carbon future, and Indigenous communities are at the forefront of seizing clean economic opportunities in every part of the country. The federal government is partnering with Indigenous communities, supporting self-determination and climate action to enable a clean, affordable and reliable grid. This will help deliver renewable power to our homes, businesses and communities.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced a $50-million contribution to the Bekevar Wind Power Project, delivered in partnership with the Cowessess First Nation and Innagreen Investments. This builds on a $173-million federal investment from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Located south of Kipling, Saskatchewan, the project location includes turbines located on Cowessess First Nation Land. The project will supply over 200 megawatts (MW) of zero-emissions power, reducing GHG emissions by approximately 130,000 tonnes per year, enough to serve up to 100,000 homes annually. The Bekevar project will consist of 36 turbines; an underground, medium-voltage, electrical collector system; access roads; a substation; two permanent meteorological towers; an operations and maintenance building; and a 10-km long transmission line to connect the project to the provincial grid.
This contribution demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to meaningful participation, ownership and decision-making by Indigenous Peoples in Canada's energy transition as they expand innovative clean energy solutions to displace fossil fuels, advance self-determination and combat climate change.
The Bekevar project builds upon a previous investment by the federal government of over $18.5 million for the Awasis Solar Project, a 10-megawatt solar facility also owned, operated by and constructed on the land of the Cowessess First Nation. The solar project is currently providing clean power to the provincial power grid and delivering economic benefits to the Cowessess First Nation for years to come.
