One of Canada’s largest solar projects secures $15 million federal investment as construction begins

Construction has officially begun on the Turning Sun Solar Project, a 100-megawatt utility-scale solar facility near Estevan, Saskatchewan, with the Government of Canada committing $15 million in funding to support development of what is expected to become one of the province’s largest solar energy installations.

The funding announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by federal officials, project partners, and representatives from Ocean Man Nakoda Nation, which holds a 10 percent ownership stake in the project.

Once operational, Turning Sun Solar is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 25,000 homes, adding significant renewable generation capacity to Saskatchewan’s electricity system at a time when demand for power continues to grow across Canada.

Developed by Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) in partnership with Ocean Man Nakoda Nation, the project is among the largest renewable energy developments currently under construction in Canada. The facility is being built on the Nation’s traditional territory and is expected to contribute to long-term economic opportunities for Indigenous communities while strengthening Saskatchewan’s clean energy supply.

Federal funding is being provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), a $4.5-billion initiative designed to support renewable generation, energy storage, and grid modernization projects across the country.

Strengthening Saskatchewan’s Renewable Energy Capacity

The Canadian Prairies is a region in Western Canada. It includes the Canadian portion of the Great Plains and the Prairie provinces, namely Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. (Earth Pictures)

The project arrives as Saskatchewan continues efforts to diversify its electricity mix and increase renewable energy generation. Solar development has accelerated across the province in recent years as utilities and governments seek additional low-emission power sources to meet future electricity demand.

Federal officials said the investment aligns with Canada’s recently announced national electricity strategy, which aims to significantly expand the country’s electricity infrastructure by 2050 while maintaining reliability and affordability.

“Turning Sun Solar represents the type of infrastructure project that will help meet growing electricity demand while supporting economic development and energy security,” said Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Indigenous Partnership at the Centre of Development

A key component of the project is the participation of Ocean Man Nakoda Nation as an equity partner.

Chief Ernest Standingready said the development demonstrates the value of Indigenous participation in major energy infrastructure projects.

“Today marks a significant milestone for Ocean Man Nakoda Nation,” Standingready said. “Together with our partners, we are creating long-term opportunities for our community while helping build a cleaner energy future.”

Mazen Turk, Chief Executive Officer of Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure, described the project as an example of successful collaboration between Indigenous communities, government, and private-sector developers.

“The support announced today reflects the importance of strong public-private partnerships in advancing major energy infrastructure projects and delivering long-term benefits to local communities and Saskatchewan’s power system,” Turk said.

Part of a Broader Energy Transition

The federal government said investments such as Turning Sun Solar are intended to support Canada’s broader effort to expand electricity generation capacity while reducing emissions from the power sector.

As construction advances, the project is expected to create employment opportunities during the build phase and contribute additional renewable electricity to Saskatchewan’s grid once commercial operations begin.

With construction now underway, Turning Sun Solar joins a growing pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects being developed across Western Canada as utilities, governments, and Indigenous communities position themselves for rising electricity demand and an increasingly electrified economy.