THUNDER BAY – SkyPower, the world’s largest developer of utility-scale solar energy projects, and its partners are pleased to announce its partnership with Sachigo Lake First Nation in the development of a multitude of utility-scale solar photovoltaic projects in Ontario.
SkyPower completed the request for qualification stage under the large renewable procurement (LRP) process through the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and jointly submitted proposals for the development of solar parks with Sachigo Lake First Nation.
“SkyPower’s clean energy partnership with Sachigo Lake First Nation will create jobs and strengthen the local economy,” said Kerry Adler, SkyPower’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our track record of working together in mutual respect with Indigenous communities is a testament to our sustainable economic innovation.”
“Sachigo Lake First Nation has gained access to enter the renewable energy market in Ontario and the opportunity to participate financially in a program that will provide long-term benefits for our community,” stated Chief Titus Tate, Chief of Sachigo Lake First Nation.
Under Premier Wynne’s leadership, Ontario has become Canada’s shining example in addressing climate change. “Our Climate Change Strategy is the next step towards creating a more prosperous low-carbon province and a healthier future for our children and grandchildren,” Premier Wynne said in support of the Climate Change Agreement at COP21.
The Ontario Ministry of Energy, in its latest progress report on commitments issued shortly after COP21, prioritized the involvement of First Nation and Métis communities in new generation and transmission projects, as well as in conservation and community energy planning initiatives.
SkyPower is aligned with Ontario’s mandate and has led by example in developing utility-scale solar energy projects in partnership with Indigenous communities including Fort William First Nation, which is one of the first utility-scale solar parks to be operational on First Nation land in North America. This project was one of 24 power purchase agreements SkyPower has been awarded in Ontario for a total of over 300 MW.
About Sachigo Lake First Nation
Sachigo Lake First Nation is an Oji-Cree First Nation band government in Unorganized Kenora District in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. It is located on Sachigo Lake, which is part of the Sachigo River system and Hudson Bay drainage basin, approximately 425 kilometres (264 mi) north of the town of Sioux Lookout. As of September 2011, the First Nation had a registered population of 814 people, of which the on-reserve population was 443. The current Chief is Titus Tait.
As a signatory to Treaty 9, Sachigo Lake First Nation is a member of the Windigo First Nations Council, a Regional Chiefs Council, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation, a Tribal Political Organization that represents the majority of First Nation governments in northern Canada.
About SkyPower
SkyPower is the largest and one of the most successful developers and owners of utility-scale solar energy projects in the world. With roots dating back more than a dozen years, SkyPower’s global team possesses a vast track record of over 900 years of combined experience in power and large infrastructure projects.
The experienced and accomplished SkyPower team has built, assembled and acquired an extensive pipeline of over 25 GW worldwide – 9 GW of which were recently announced in bilateral agreements, and other contract awards, to be built in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia over the next five years.
SkyPower’s over 30 utility-scale solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and Contracts in aggregate represent well in excess of US $80 billion worth of long-term renewable energy sales to leading utilities and governments around the world.
SkyPower is majority-owned by CIM Group, a U.S.-based real estate and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1994 that has systematically and successfully invested in dynamic and densely populated communities throughout North America.
