Capstone Infrastructure Corporation today announced that with Obton, it started commercial operations at the 132MW Claresholm solar farm in Canada. In fact, most of the Project’s power and associated emission offsets will be sold to TC Energy under the terms of a Power Purchase Agreement.
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Capstone Infrastructure Corporation and Obton on starting commercial operations at Claresholm Solar Farm
Today, independent power producer Capstone Infrastructure Corporation announced that with investment and development company Obton it started commercial operations at a solar farm in Canada. In fact, the 132MW Claresholm solar farm will sell power and its associated emission offsets to TC energy under the terms of a PPA.
Indeed, the Project provided more than 350 full-time jobs during construction, with peak site personnel reaching over 650 skilled workers. Moreover, Claresholm is located in the municipal district of Willow Creek in southern Alberta.
Notably, over the development’s operational life, Claresholm will provide ongoing employment. Additionally, the Project aims to secure long-term property tax revenue for the local economy.
Besides selling power and associated emission offsets to Canadian pipeline company TC Energy, Capstone and Obton will sell the rest of the electricity into Alberta’s wholesale power pool.
Accordingly, Capstone chief executive David Eva said: “I’m tremendously proud of our team for safely and successfully completing the Claresholm solar project. In fact, it is now Canada’s largest operating solar farm.”
Furthermore, “this was an ambitious project with tight timelines, and Capstone, along with PCL and all our suppliers, had the added burden of overcoming the numerous challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, they passed with flying colors.”
Importance of the partnership in North America
Therefore, “working creatively and with unmatched dedication is integral to Capstone’s business philosophy. Besides, we are extremely pleased to support TC Energy and the critical role that such corporate PPAs play. Particularly, in accelerating the transition to clean energy across North America.”
Similarly, TC Energy, president of power, storage, and commercial marketing Corey Hessen said; “Capstone showed incredible dedication to bringing this asset into service. For instance, through collaborative partnerships like this one, we are bringing clean energy to the Alberta market.”
Thus, “this PPA represents another step towards reducing our emissions and growing our power business across North America.”
Also, Obton partner Mikkel Berthelsen said; “Having been involved in the Project for close to four years, I am pleased that it has now been fully realized. In fact, “it all started with a good idea, and today after many ups and downs; the project is fully commissioned and will be an important power plant in Alberta.”
Finally, Mr. Berthelsen concluded: “I want to thank all the great people that worked on realizing this Project. Particularly Perimeter Solar for their early-stage development work, our contractor PCL, our off-taker TC Energy. Also, to our lenders ATB, Fiera, Telus, and of course, our partner.”
