MOOSE JAW — George Gordon Developments Ltd. (GGDL) hosted the official sod-turning ceremony for its Wicehtowak Solar project near the K+S Bethune Mine site northwest of Regina on Tuesday.
Power generated at the 32-megawatt facility, which will be operated by Wicehtowak Solar Ltd, will be sold to K+S Potash for use at the mine site through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The agreement was made possible by SaskPower’s new Renewable Access Service (RAS), which enables large industrial customers to negotiate a PPA with an independent power producer (IPP) of their choice, while using SaskPower’s transmission lines. Like other renewable project developments, SaskPower has included Indigenous ownership as a requirement for participation in RAS.
“Today’s announcement is an example of our government’s commitment to building and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships that will keep our province strong and growing,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “This project will be a step forward in energy development, economic reconciliation and Indigenous economic participation and leadership.”
“Wicehtowak Solar represents what’s possible when Indigenous leadership and industrial innovation come together,” said Don Ross, CEO of GGDL. “This project will not only produce emissions-free power — it will generate opportunity and lasting value for George Gordon First Nation and beyond.”
“This initiative demonstrates how Indigenous-led renewable projects and strong partnerships can help industries such as ours decarbonize our operations power while providing economic benefits for future generations,” said Sam Farris, president of K+S Potash Canada. “We wholeheartedly congratulate George Gordon Developments Ltd. on this important project.”
“We recognize that the needs and priorities of our customers are changing, and that they are looking for innovative solutions,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower president & CEO. “The RAS shows that SaskPower is evolving to meet these changing needs while supporting economic reconciliation and renewable power development.”
Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin this summer, with an anticipated in-service date of late 2026. The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts and support of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Natural Resources Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.
Learn more at saskpower.com, ggdl.ca and ks-potashcanada.com.
