At 70 megawatts the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is building the largest First Nation solar project in Canada By David Dodge, GreenPlanet Energy Analytics ACFN Solar Projects at Monarch, Coaldale, and Vulcan - Map by GreenPlanet Energy Analytics Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. PHOTO DAVID DODGE.
LP and Concord Green Energy, and it
“Solar
represents the largest First Nations
is now
solar project in Canada.
one of the
The projects are part of ACFN’s Green Energy Business Investment Strategy developed in 2018. “We have to walk the talk on environment and climate protection in our business activities,” says Chief Allan Adam. “ACFN wants to be a leader in helping Alberta and Canada protect the climate.” The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) and Concord Green Energy have begun construction of three large solar farms in southern Alberta which together totals 68.1 megawatts of capacity, enough to power 10,000 homes.
The ACFN dipped its toes into solar last year when they built a 2.2-megawatt solar project in Fort Chipewyan with Three Nations Energy, a jointly owned project of ACFN, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and the Fort Chipewyan Metis Association. That project will offset 25 per cent of the diesel generation
The project is a $140-million joint
in the remote, northern First Nations
venture between ACFN Green Energy
community.
24 ALBERTA SOLAR REVIEW • 2021
cheapest and best choices for power and this business venture lines up with our environmental responsibilities and values,” says Adam. ACFN’s new 70-megawatt project represents a significant investment in diversifying the First Nation’s business interests. “We continue to look at ways to diversify business opportunities outside of the oilsands,” says Jason Schulz, executive director of strategic advisory services for ACFN. “I think it’s the right move not only for green energy, but to promote ACFN and go down that path because it’s a source of revenue that will always be there for future generations,” says Adam. Construction is already under way on
