GREENSTONE — Kenogamisis Energy Corporation is making slow but steady progress toward the development of a solar park in the Geraldton area.
The 100 per cent First Nation-owned partnership involving Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation, proposes to supply 8.5 MW of electricity to Equinox Gold Corporation's Greenstone Gold Mine.
The mine had a projected 14-year lifespan when it celebrated its first pour in 2024.
Construction of the Greenstone Solar Farm, which will be comprised of up to 14,000 photovoltaic panels spread over 12 hectares, could begin sometime in 2027.
In terms of economic development for the First Nations, "it's definitely a game changer," said Horis Mansuri, CEO of the of the Kenogamisis Energy Corporation. "It was really the four communities coming together and looking at some opportunities that they could all work together on."
He described the planned solar farm as innovative, saying "we're using a lot of cutting-edge technology to move ahead with this project."
The company estimates the clean energy installation will offset an estimated 4,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The project is proceeding through the renewable energy approval process which falls within the purview of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
"We're tied in or limited by the REA process, which is quite lengthy, typically taking 12 to 16 months," Mansuri said. "We're about halfway through it. We're anticipating going through the process, doing the public engagements, fine-tuning and finalizing some of the reports that are needed. It's hard to say exactly when we'll get that approval, but anywhere between March, April of 2027 to maybe October, November is when we might be able to start some construction."
He said 30 to 32 full-time-equivalent jobs would be created during construction, and perhaps two full-time-equivalent jobs once the solar farm is operational.
Benefits are anticipated farther down the road as well.
"It's a capacity-building opportunity, I think. Once this gets up and running, the First Nations have the experience and the capacity to do other kinds of renewable energy projects," Mansuri said.
The final public meeting about the project is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2026 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Geraldton.
About the Author: Gary Rinne

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