Estevan city council received an update on a major renewable energy project at its latest meeting. Representatives from Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI), Lana Taher and Kyra Windrim, presented details on the Iyuhana Solar Project, a 100-megawatt solar farm planned eight kilometres southwest of the city.
The project is being developed by GSI in partnership with Ocean Man First Nation, which holds a 10 per cent equity stake in the initiative. It spans 550 acres and has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement with SaskPower. The development is currently in the mid-to-late permitting phase, with full approval expected by the second quarter of 2025.
Construction is slated to begin in early Q3 2025, with an estimated 12- to 18-month timeline for completion. During this period, the project is expected to create around 150 construction jobs. Once operational, it will require two to five permanent maintenance positions and is designed to remain in operation until 2051.
To help facilitate local hiring, job fairs will be held in the second and third quarters of 2025, where GSI will provide details on available positions.
While the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, some community members have expressed concerns about how it fits into Estevan’s evolving energy landscape.
Councillor Brian Johnson acknowledged the importance of maintaining a balanced energy sector in the region and emphasized that infrastructure projects like the Iyuhana Solar Project should be viewed as part of a broader strategy for the region’s future.
“This is a really exciting project for Estevan and surrounding area, and a long time overdue, I feel, but it’s nice to see that we have so many different ideas that are out there nowadays and with solar power and what can be done,” he said, noting that having SaskPower on board is a good sign.
GSI is making an effort to keep the public informed and involved. A second community open house is scheduled for April 9, 2025, where residents will have the chance to ask questions and provide feedback. Additionally, a dedicated project website and quarterly newsletters will offer ongoing updates.
Education is also a key component of the project.
“With both Southeast College and the University of Regina, we provided and are committed to providing annual scholarships for students in the hopes of reducing those funding barriers for young professionals and academics coming up in the field and wanting to learn more about renewable energy,” said Taher.
A five-year research initiative will examine how the solar farm affects vegetation and wildlife, with plans for site tours and workshops to engage local youth and stakeholders.
Councillor Shelly Veroba said she appreciates the company’s proactive approach to working with the community.
“When I went to the open house, you had a lot of information for people that were seeking employment. So I would encourage all of council and anyone else that’s in the community that want to learn about the solar project attend the next open house,” she said.
Once completed, the Iyuhana Solar Project will be the largest solar development currently in progress in Saskatchewan and will rank among the top 10 largest solar projects in Canada.
“This project is a major step forward for renewable energy in Saskatchewan,” Taher said. “It highlights the potential for solar power in the province and sets a precedent for future collaborations between industry, government, and Indigenous communities.”
With its focus on clean energy, local job creation and education, the Iyuhana Solar Project aims to make a lasting impact on the Estevan area and beyond.