Independent power producer Silicon Ranch has announced that its 58MW Scotford Solar Farm (pictured) has reached commercial operation near Edmonton, Alberta in Canada.
The project will supply Shell’s Energy and Chemicals Park, Scotford with enough renewable energy to power approximately 20% of the refinery’s energy needs for the next 25 years and provide 100% of its electricity needs at peak capacity.
The Scotford Solar Farm is Silicon Ranch’s first international solar project and the first large-scale PV facility installed in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.
As it does with every project it develops, Silicon Ranch will own, operate and maintain the solar facility and care for the land throughout the project’s lifecycle.
This distinguishing characteristic of its business model underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the partners and communities Silicon Ranch serves.
Reagan Farr, Silicon Ranch co-founder and chief executive, said: “At Silicon Ranch one of our guiding principles is that we are only successful when our partners are successful, and the Scotford Solar Farm represents a successful outcome for our partners at Shell Canada and our partners in Strathcona County.
“This project not only supports Shell’s economic and operational goals, but also catalyzed our own significant capital investment in the community, and as the long-term owner of this facility and the land it occupies, Silicon Ranch will contribute critical tax revenues to help fund government-identified priorities for decades to come.”
The landmark and innovative behind-the-meter solution designed for the Scotford Solar Farm was the first of its kind in Canada and provides a replicable model for other energy and chemicals businesses to develop similar solutions to support their operations, Silicon Ranch said.