Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge) and Six Nations Energy Development LP, a consortium of Cowessess First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Pasqua First Nation and White Bear First Nations, have revealed their plans to develop a 200 megawatt wind project near Weyburn, Saskatchewan. This project, called Seven Stars Energy Project, will produce enough electricity to power around 100,000 homes. The financial participation of Indigenous partners will be facilitated by loan guarantees of up to $100 million from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC). Indigenous partners will have the opportunity to acquire a minimum 30% stake in the project.
Economic and Financial Benefits
Chief Matthew Peigan of the Pasqua First Nation said this project will provide a stable and sustainable source of income for the Indigenous communities involved. Enbridge, for its part, sees this partnership as a strategic opportunity to expand its renewable energy portfolio while partnering with local communities. Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Brent Digness noted that this project is crucial to economic reconciliation and minimizes financial risks for the citizens involved.
Project Objectives and Challenges
The aim is to have the project operational by 2027, subject to finalizing commercial agreements, obtaining environmental and regulatory approvals, and meeting investment criteria. Enbridge is working to secure a long-term power purchase agreement with SaskPower, with a final investment decision expected in 2025. Matthew Akman, Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Enbridge, mentioned that this project is the company’s first collaboration with Indigenous partners for wind energy generation in Saskatchewan.
Strategic and Commercial Implications
Colin Gruending, Executive Vice President and President of Liquids Pipelines at Enbridge, highlighted the importance of Indigenous economic participation in energy infrastructure projects. He also praised the support of the Government of Saskatchewan and the creation of the SIIFC, which was essential in making this investment opportunity possible. Dustin Duncan, Minister responsible for SaskPower, said this partnership with Enbridge and Six Nations Energy Development will support SaskPower’s energy development objectives.
The Seven Stars project is a significant example of collaboration between a large energy company and indigenous communities. By providing clean energy to the province, this project also establishes a solid foundation for lasting economic reconciliation. This initiative could serve as a model for future similar collaborations across Canada.
