Trailblazer: Cowessess First Nation solar and wind project
Cowessess First Nation, located 140 kilometres east of Regina commissioned their latest renewable energy project in October 2018. Ready to show the immense power of two forms of renewable energy combined, solar and wind, the community has established an innovative project that has the potential to empower future generations. Chief Cadmus Delorme describes their solar and wind project as living proof that First Nations in Canada are willing and ready to play a significant role in the transition towards clean energy.
October 2018 marked the launch of the Cowessess Renewable Energy Storage Facility, which promises to generate 400 kilowatts of sustainable energy through the use of wind and solar energy. The community first began their transition to the renewable energy in 2012 with a wind turbine project that utilized battery storage as a “means to collect and store wind energy”. In the following years, the community created a hybrid form by combining the power of wind and solar energy for a more stable supply of electricity. The project, which added solar panels to the existing wind turbine, has been coined as “possibly the first wind-solar battery storage project in Canada”. The project will provide valuable data on how best to implement this type of system in other communities.
Following their values of shared responsibility over the earth, Chief Delorme insists that the group is open to sharing their project with those who are willing to adopt this renewable energy form: “We are not trying to do this on our own. We know we have to partner,” Delorme said. Already, Cowessess First Nation has formed partnerships with SaskPower, the Saskatchewan Research Council and the Federal government. “Cowessess is proud to extend its leadership in Saskatchewan renewable energy development with its commissioning of this solar project.”
Funding for the solar panels came from revenue from the existing wind turbines at the site, debt financing from the First Nations Bank of Canada, and funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.
Direct Impact on the Community
Adding even more value, the project offers a way for the community to develop new businesses and jobs in the energy development sector. The project also employed Cowessess citizens during the construction of the project. Two citizens have since been hired full time by the contractor, Skyfire Energy.
The project aligns with Indigenous values of protecting the land and its resources for future generations; or as Chief Delorme describes “Making sure that this land is prepared and ready for our children and our children yet unborn.” The project also allows the community to achieve some economic self-sustainability. “It’s good to show Saskatchewan that First Nations want to play that lead role as well, and that we have a lot of (knowledge) that we learned and built on these two projects, that we’re open and willing to share with other businesses, First Nations, to let them know when a door closes, just look for the next door that’s open,” he said. The project is now a best practice, set to inspire surrounding communities to become more innovative. A close look at the David Suzuki Foundation’s overview on the renewable energy in Regina, shows the impact on the much younger generation of Saskatchewan who consider it as symbolism of pride for their community:
“Walking through the doors of Regina’s Lakeview School, you can feel the excitement. Students have been learning about their province’s solar capacity, and they’re thrilled to learn that Regina has some of the best solar power potential in Canada.”
Upon the launch of the Cowessess’ project, a field trip by the school is said to have given the class hope and inspiration for renewable energy projects: “This is Canada’s solar generation — young, wide-eyed and ready to make a difference”.
Written by Hilda-Matilda Idegwu, Student-intern at KAIROS Canada
