Enbridge and Six Nations Energy Development have unveiled plans to advance the Seven Stars Energy Project, a 200MW renewable energy initiative southeast of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. The project, expected to be operational by 2027, is set to provide emissions-free electricity equivalent to the annual energy needs of more than 100,000 Saskatchewan homes.
The consortium behind Seven Stars Energy includes Cowessess First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Pasqua First Nation, and White Bear First Nations. These Indigenous partners will have the opportunity to acquire at least 30% equity ownership in the project, facilitated in part by loan guarantees from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC).
Chief Matthew Peigan of Pasqua First Nation expressed enthusiasm for the project's potential benefits:
“This project will produce emissions-free electricity for Saskatchewan and provide a stable source of revenue that will benefit our people for many years to come. We are pleased Enbridge sees that meaningful Indigenous ownership is the way to build energy infrastructure in this country and we look forward to developing this project together.”
The initiative marks Enbridge's first Indigenous partnership in wind energy generation and their initial collaboration in Saskatchewan. Matthew Akman, Enbridge's executive vice president of corporate strategy and president of power, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“The clean electricity Enbridge and our Indigenous partners will provide will help meet the demand for safe, reliable and affordable energy for residential, small business and industrial use well into the future. This is a unique opportunity for the growth of our renewables portfolio, and one that I am excited to advance alongside our new partners.”
The project's development is contingent upon finalizing commercial agreements, securing regulatory approvals, and meeting investment criteria. It aligns with Saskatchewan's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and expanding renewable energy capacity.
Jake Sinclair, President of Six Nations Energy Development LP, emphasized the collaborative effort required for such a venture:
“Partnerships like this take commitment, creativity and ultimately a leap of faith. I am proud of our team who have leaned-in with Enbridge on the ultimate goal of delivering a sustainable project that provides both energy to Saskatchewan and strong financial returns for Enbridge and the First Nations and Métis partners for many years to come.”
