New solar project to meet 62 per cent of Summerside’s electricity demands

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Representatives of the federal, provincial and municipal governments have announced funding to build a solar energy farm and storage facility in Summerside, P.E.I.

The project involves the construction of a new 21-megawatt solar farm and a battery storage facility, stated a Jan. 14 release. The project will allow the City of Summerside to meet 62 per cent of its electricity needs through renewable energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 21,000 tonnes per year.

The Government of Canada is investing $26.3 million in the project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Prince Edward Island is contributing $21.9 million, with the City of Summerside providing the balance of the funding.

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to invest nearly $22 million in solar and battery storage in Summerside to increase renewable energy generation in our province and help us reach our climate targets. To make real change for our environment, we need to work together to empower our communities to be innovative in sustainability solutions that work for them,” said P.E.I. Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Steven Myers in the statement.