1.55 megawatt system is now providing renewable energy to Airdrie’s Genesis Place Recreation Centre
The City of Airdrie and ENMAX announced on Wednesday the completion of what they say is Canada’s largest municipal rooftop solar installation.
In a news release, they said a 1.55 megawatt (MW) system is now providing renewable energy to Airdrie’s Genesis Place Recreation Centre. The project will meet up to 30 per cent of the facility’s annual electricity needs and reduce costs by up to $80,000 annually, the release said.
Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown
“Airdrie is proud to be leading the way in Canada with respect to the generation of solar energy through municipal infrastructure,” said Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown. “This project is good for Airdrie residents and the environment and is an incredible example of what we can accomplish when different levels of government work together with great organizations like ENMAX towards a common goal.”
“Municipalities like Airdrie are driving change towards more sustainable practices, and as an energy provider, ENMAX is here to help them find smart solutions,” said Erwin Kantwerg, vice-president of sales at ENMAX. “The environmental leadership that Airdrie is demonstrating today will have significant benefits for decades to come.”
Officials said the project was made possible due in large part to funding from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre and the Federal Gas Tax Fund.
“The solar array will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking 275 cars off the road, and is expected to export approximately 140 kilowatts per hour back to the city grid during peak summer months. A second phase, due to be completed in September, will include 240 modules on a double wing carport in the parking lot of Genesis Place,” said officials.
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