Global renewable energy investment platform Innagreen and Cowessess First Nation have announced the opening of a 200MW wind farm in Saskatchewan.
Innagreen and Cowessess own 83% and 17% of the Bekevar wind farm respectively having acquired the project from RES in 2023.
Bekevar is situated in the rural municipalities of Hazlewood, Kingsley, and on Cowessess First Nation reserve land.
Developed by RES, the project is an example of how commercial energy companies and local communities can work together to achieve decarbonisation in Canada and deliver local economic investment.
The array features 36 Nordex N155/5.X turbines.
It will provide Cowessess First Nation with a significant annual return, to support the continued investment in economic opportunities and help fund essential community programmes.
Electricity generated by Bekevar will be purchased by SaskPower through a 25-year power purchase agreement.
Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said: “The Bekevar wind project is a great example of the type of projects we need to meet Canada’s growing need for more electricity and build a thriving economy.
“It is creating good energy jobs in Saskatchewan, opportunity for First Nations people, and powering the equivalent to 100,000 homes in the province.
“A clean electricity grid underpins a strong economy in the 21st Century, and the federal government’s $50 million investment in the Bekevar wind project is money well spent.”
Cowessess First Nation chief Erica Beaudin said: “We are excited to a part of this important initiative and to see it come to completion.
“As Indigenous people, we feel it is our duty to not only invest in clean energy, but to place ourselves front and centre as leaders in clean energy.”
Innagreen chief executive Olly Alexander said: “The completion of Bekevar exemplifies the strength of partnerships and innovating financing in driving Canada’s energy future.
“We are proud to work alongside Cowessess First Nation and RES to realise this important project, that will deliver tangible benefits locally for Cowessess First Nation members.”