Canadian province of Saskatchewan announces largest solar project in its history

Saskatchewan is moving forward with its largest solar development to date, marking a significant step in the province’s energy transition and Indigenous participation in utility-scale renewables.

A new 100 MWac solar facility, known as Mino Giizis, will be developed through a partnership between Saskatchewan Power Corporation and the First Nations Power Authority, with private-sector developer Neoen selected as the winning proponent.

What’s happening

Saskatchewan is a Canadian province that borders the United States to the south. Grassland covers its southern plains, and to the north are the rugged rock of the Canadian Shield plateau, coniferous forests, rivers and lakes.

The Mino Giizis Solar Energy Facility will be located roughly 100 kilometres east of Moose Jaw and is expected to enter operation in 2028. The project will have a capacity of 157 MWp, delivering 100 MWac to the grid under a 25-year power purchase agreement with SaskPower.

Neoen will co-own the project through a 50 percent equity partnership with the Anishinabek Power Alliance, a coalition of four Treaty 4 First Nations: Zagime Anishinabek Nation, Kinistin Saulteaux First Nation, Cote First Nation, and The Key First Nation, with participation from the Yorkton Tribal Council.

The facility is expected to generate about 228,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 30,000 homes, and support up to 350 construction jobs at peak buildout.

Industry association Canadian Renewable Energy Association welcomed the announcement, calling the project a clear example of economic reconciliation paired with grid-scale clean energy development.

Why it matters

Mino Giizis represents more than Saskatchewan’s largest solar farm. It is the final project under the province’s current round of major renewable procurements, bringing total installed renewable capacity close to 1,000 MW.

SaskPower has committed to procuring up to 3,000 MW of wind and solar by 2035 as part of its plan to reach net-zero power generation by 2050.

The project also highlights a shift in how large energy assets are developed in the province. With Indigenous partners holding half the equity, the facility creates long-term revenue, employment, and governance opportunities for First Nations, rather than limiting participation to short-term benefits.

What comes next

With the power purchase agreement now signed, the project will move through final development, permitting, and construction over the next several years.

SaskPower has indicated that additional renewable energy procurements are expected in future rounds, suggesting that Mino Giizis may serve as a template for how large-scale solar and Indigenous ownership structures evolve in Saskatchewan’s power system.