Alberta's First Nations Lead Solar Revolution with New Project

• Cold Lake First Nations lead Alberta's green revolution with majority stake in Duchess Solar, powering 7,000 homes and creating jobs while cutting 25,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

The Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) in Alberta have secured majority ownership of the 19.8-MW Duchess Solar project, obtaining CA $48.1 million in construction financing. The funding comes from the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative and Indigenous Equity Investment loans, with additional support from the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation and senior debt arranged by Selkirk Advisory Group. The project, developed with Elemental Energy, will feature 36,000 bifacial panels and is expected to power 7,000 homes, displacing over 25,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

The project will create up to 80 construction jobs and several long-term positions, with training programs already underway. CLFN aims to capture lease royalties, merchant power revenues, and federal clean-tech tax credits to reinvest in community infrastructure. This initiative highlights a significant shift in Canada’s renewables landscape, with Indigenous communities now co-owning or controlling over 20 GW of clean-energy projects. The Duchess Solar project is set to become one of the largest First Nations-led generating assets in Western Canada, with full commercial operation expected by late 2026.

How is the Cold Lake First Nations advancing renewable energy with the Duchess Solar project?

• The Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) is leveraging the Duchess Solar project to enhance its economic sovereignty and energy independence.
• The project is part of a broader strategy by CLFN to invest in sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
• CLFN's involvement in the project is expected to provide significant economic benefits, including job creation and skills development for community members.
• The project aligns with national and provincial goals to increase the participation of Indigenous communities in the renewable energy sector.
• CLFN is utilizing the project to build capacity and expertise in renewable energy, which can be applied to future projects and initiatives.
• The Duchess Solar project serves as a model for other Indigenous communities looking to enter the renewable energy market.
• By securing majority ownership, CLFN ensures that a significant portion of the project's financial returns will be reinvested into the community.
• The project contributes to Canada's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
• CLFN's partnership with Elemental Energy and other stakeholders demonstrates the potential for successful collaborations between Indigenous communities and private sector companies in the renewable energy space.