First Nations Power Authority Helping With Solar in the North
Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider, and First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) recently announced a partnership on the funding and launch of two new solar power projects in Saskatchewan’s far north.
“Bullfrog Power is proud to be working with FNPA to support off-grid First Nations communities in Saskatchewan and to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and help make the transition to clean, pollution-free energy,” said Ron Seftel, Senior Vice President, Operations, Bullfrog Power. “On behalf of our customers we are providing meaningful financial support to new renewable energy projects to demonstrate that green energy is an option for every community.”
Through its Bullfrog Builds Renewable Accelerator program, Bullfrog Power provides critical financing to support the development of new green energy projects across Canada.
Both projects launched showcase solar technology specifically designed for Canada’s climate. The two latest projects are designed to offset power consumption for schools in the communities of Fond du Lac and Hatchet Lake, Saskatchewan. “These FNPA Solar Panels should help with the high cost of keeping the school operating for the year,” said Hatchet Lake Chief Bart Tsannie. “It will be good to know how much we do save once these panels are in operation.”
These power generation projects are FNPA’s second and third Strategic Off-Grid and Renewables (SOAR) projects. The SOAR project was initiated by FNPA to develop small-scale power projects to research emerging technologies-including solar photovoltaic. FNPA is partnering with a number of First Nations and private industry to develop new technologies for reliable energy sources that will improve business productivity and support community sustainability in remote areas. The first SOAR project is a solar photovoltaic demonstration project in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
First Nations Power Authority CEO, Leah Nelson Guay, said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Bullfrog Power on the launch of these projects in Saskatchewan’s far north. These renewable power generation systems are important to the First Nations communities as they work to lower their power bills, increase the reliability of the electrical grid in remote areas and reduce their environmental footprint. Also, the data obtained is incredibly important in assessing the potential for expanded solar power use in Canada’s north.”
