Medicine Hat is changing its story. Known for its historic natural gas roots, this Alberta city is now set to host one of North America’s largest urban solar installations. The Saamis Solar Park is a 1,600‑acre project on Medicine Hat’s northwest edge that aims to produce 325 MW of clean power. This is a big step for the city and for Canada’s move toward renewable energy.

Introduction

Overview of the Saamis Solar Park

The Saamis Solar Park is a utility‑scale, ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic project planned for a 1,600‑acre site. It is built to be one of the largest urban solar farms on the continent. With a planned capacity of 325 MW, this installation will rival the output of Medicine Hat’s 299 MW gas‑fired plant. The project stands out not only because of its scale but also because it is built inside city limits.

Medicine Hat’s Solar Potential

Medicine Hat tops the charts with around 330 sunny days per year. That makes it an ideal location for solar energy. This city’s abundant sunshine means that 1 kW of installed solar can produce roughly 1,500 kWh annually. With such high solar potential, using a large brownfield site for a solar farm is an efficient and practical solution.

The Shift to Renewable Energy

The Saamis Solar Park fits squarely within Canada’s broader push for cleaner energy. Alberta has set a target of 30% renewable electricity by 2030, while Canada moves steadily toward net‑zero emissions by 2050. By turning a contaminated industrial site into a source of clean power, Medicine Hat not only repurposes land that has limited development potential but also supports a major national energy transition.

Project Scope and Development

Capacity and Energy Generation

The project is designed for a peak capacity of 325 MW. Once fully operational, this capacity will supply power to roughly 65,000 residents. On bright days, the solar park could even exceed the output of Medicine Hat’s existing gas‑fired plant. This clear demonstration of solar’s potential in a mid‑sized city signals that renewable energy can shoulder a significant portion of local electricity demand.

Scale of the Project: Solar Panels and Infrastructure

Over 600,000 solar panels will cover the site. These panels come in two types: fixed‑tilt and single‑axis tracking panels, which adjust throughout the day to maximize energy yield. Each array will have its own inverter and transformer station to convert the direct current into grid‑compatible alternating current. An extensive electrical collection system and a new substation will link the project to Alberta’s grid, ensuring the generated power flows reliably to homes and businesses.

Key infrastructure elements include:

• Inverter/Transformer Stations: Convert and step up the power.
• Electrical Collection Network: Routes the generated energy to the substation.
• Access Roads: Allow maintenance crews to service the site.
• Substation Connection: Ties the solar power to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System.

Funding and Management

Originally developed by Irish renewable energy company DP Energy, the project secured development rights in 2017. In early 2025, the City of Medicine Hat acquired the project from DP Energy. This move brings local control into the equation, ensuring that the city can oversee the construction and operation of its solar asset.

The estimated total investment for the full 325‑MW facility is around $600 million. The city plans to build the project in phases, starting with a 75‑MW first phase. This staged approach allows Medicine Hat to manage costs, address grid integration issues, and gather experience before scaling up further. Funding will come from a mix of federal support, such as grants that may cover up to 15% of construction costs, and financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Land Use and Environmental Considerations

Choosing a Brownfield Site

The Saamis Solar Park is unique in its use of a brownfield site. The location was once an industrial area that produced significant environmental challenges due to contamination. Using this site means putting a productive use to land that otherwise would sit idle, thereby creating an environmental win–win.

Understanding Phosphogypsum

A key feature of the site is a large capped phosphogypsum stack. Phosphogypsum is a waste product from phosphate fertilizer production. It is slightly radioactive and can emit radon gas as it decays. By choosing this site, developers turn a hazardous by‑product into an opportunity for clean energy. The contaminated area has been safely capped with clay and topsoil to keep the hazards contained.

Mitigating Environmental Risks

To ensure that the existing contamination remains undisturbed, the project uses a ballasted mounting system in affected areas. These systems use weighted concrete footings that sit on top of the ground, rather than deep foundations that could breach the cap. Conventional pile‑driven mounts will be used in the non‑contaminated sections. This careful planning preserves the integrity of the containment system while allowing for full-scale solar deployment.

Impact on Local Wildlife and Biodiversity

Although the site is industrial in nature and has low ecological value compared to pristine land, the project still considers local biodiversity. The northern edge of the site borders the South Saskatchewan River, so measures are in place to control runoff and sediment during construction. While solar farms typically have low impact on wildlife, steps will be taken to relocate any nesting birds or burrowing animals found on‑site. Long‑term vegetation management may include seeding native grasses and using low‑impact maintenance techniques.

Economic and Energy Impact

Supplying Clean Power

At a capacity of 325 MW, the Saamis Solar Park will generate enough electricity to power between 25,000 and 30,000 households continuously. For Medicine Hat, this means improved energy security and a diversified energy portfolio. Clean, locally generated electricity can stabilize costs over the long term by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and avoiding volatile natural gas prices.

Boosting the Local Economy

The project is set to create hundreds of jobs during its construction phase. This includes roles for engineers, electricians, technicians, and various support staff. Once operational, the solar park will require a smaller permanent staff for maintenance and monitoring, providing long‑term employment opportunities. Local businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, are expected to benefit from increased economic activity related to the construction and ongoing operations.

Lowering Electricity Costs

By generating power locally, Medicine Hat stands to lower its electricity costs over time. The high upfront capital costs of solar are offset by low operating costs; sunlight is free, and there are no fuel costs. This shift can help protect the city from rising transmission fees and fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. In addition, the project is expected to reduce the city’s carbon emissions, potentially saving millions in carbon compliance costs. Projections suggest that every 25 MW of solar capacity could offset about 21,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, saving roughly $1.5 million per year in carbon levies. Over the lifespan of the project, these savings could add up to tens of millions of dollars.

Comparing to Other Canadian Solar Farms

The economic and energy benefits of Saamis Solar Park compare favorably to other large‑scale solar projects in Canada. While the Travers Solar Project in Vulcan County operates at 465 MW and covers 3,300 acres, it is situated in a rural area. Saamis, with its 325‑MW capacity on a 1,600‑acre site, is the largest urban solar project in North America. This urban setting offers unique benefits, including shorter transmission distances and direct local community benefits.

Comparison with Other Major Solar Projects in North America

Copper Mountain Solar Facility (Nevada)

Copper Mountain Solar Facility in Boulder City, Nevada, stands at 802 MW and is one of the largest photovoltaic installations in the U.S. Although its capacity exceeds Saamis Solar Park, Copper Mountain is built on remote desert land. Saamis distinguishes itself by being located in an urban environment, where the power is fed directly into the local grid.

Travers Solar Project (Alberta)

The Travers Solar Project, with its 465‑MW capacity in Vulcan County, is currently Canada’s largest solar farm. While Travers is significant in size and serves a large rural area, Saamis is notable for its urban setting. The fact that a mid‑sized city like Medicine Hat is taking on such a project demonstrates that urban centers can host large‑scale renewable installations while maintaining local control and community benefits.

Unique Urban Solar Projects

Medicine Hat’s project is the first of its kind in many ways. The idea of integrating a large‑scale solar farm within city limits is not common in North America. Other urban projects, like Calgary’s smaller solar initiatives on brownfields, show the potential for using otherwise unproductive land. Saamis Solar Park serves as a clear example of how cities can transform environmental liabilities into valuable assets while meeting energy demands.

Regulatory and Approval Process

Securing Permits and Approvals

The journey to build the Saamis Solar Park began in 2017 when DP Energy secured site control and development rights. The project underwent several rounds of reviews before obtaining a development permit from the City of Medicine Hat in 2019. A crucial step was receiving approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) in mid‑2024. The AUC reviewed technical details, environmental assessments, and public input to confirm that the project served the public interest.

Role of the Alberta Utilities Commission

The AUC is the key regulatory body for power generation projects in Alberta. It evaluates applications on the basis of environmental impact, technical design, grid integration, and overall benefit to the community. Saamis Solar Park had to pass through technical studies and a public hearing held in Medicine Hat during April 2024. Once approved, the AUC also validated the transfer of the project’s permit from DP Energy to the City of Medicine Hat in early 2025. This comprehensive review process ensured that the project met all regulatory standards and was positioned for safe construction and operation.

Environmental Compliance Measures

Given the site’s history and the presence of phosphogypsum, stringent environmental measures were required. The project includes continuous monitoring of the capped area and regular inspections to ensure that no contamination is released during construction or operation. Environmental compliance extends to protecting nearby wildlife and the adjacent South Saskatchewan River, where runoff controls are in place. The regulatory approvals confirm that all potential risks have been addressed satisfactorily.