Renewable energy producer Neoen and Garden River First Nation have been given the green light to build Ontario’s largest solar farm.

The organizations announced on April 20 that they had been awarded a 20-year solar contract through Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator’s competitive Long-Term 2 Energy Supply procurement process.

Located approximately 55 kilometres east of Sault Ste. Marie, the project is expected to add more than 380,000 MWh to the provincial power grid each year, once operational. That production is the equivalent to the electricity used by 42,500 Ontario households.

The project will be co-owned by Neoen and Garden River First Nation in a 50% equity partnership. It is the first utility-scale renewable energy project for Garden River First Nation, which has long identified net-zero as a community priority.

“Neoen is proud to be delivering this major energy project for Ontario alongside Garden River First Nation, and we are proud to be a part of advancing Indigenous leadership and participation in Canada’s clean energy sector,” said Benoit Pinot de Villechenon, Neoen’s Province Director for Ontario.

Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with a target in-service date of 2030.

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