Manitoba is a province known for its green energy sector, but many people are unaware of what it is.
But that’s changing, as solar energy is gaining a foothold in Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Solar Energy Consortium (WESC) has recently secured $30,000 in federal funding for a new solar energy development program.
While the solar energy program has yet to officially launch, the Winnipeg Solar Power Project is currently being designed.
The WESC is the largest solar energy developer in Manitoba and has a large presence in the city, with over 1,200 MW of solar energy projects in the works.
The project will provide clean energy to Winnipeg’s downtown core and is expected to create more than 50 permanent jobs.
The WESc hopes to provide up to 20 permanent jobs for those who work in the solar industry.
“The new solar power facility will provide jobs in the energy sector that are dependent on renewable energy, such as utilities, building contractors, and building contractors themselves,” said WESCo-founder and CEO Mike MacKay.
“The solar energy will help Winnipeg meet its climate targets and contribute to our city’s long-term economic future.”
The new WESP project will be located in the basement of a large building, and the developer is working with the city to ensure that the new solar facility meets the city’s stringent energy requirements.
The new facility will be constructed on the roof of a building on the corner of the First Avenue and Second Avenue Eastside.
A large building on either side of the building will provide shade and privacy for employees and customers, with the entire building accessible from the public realm.
The first phase of the project, which includes installing a rooftop solar array, will be completed by the end of the year.
The project will also incorporate the installation of two additional large solar energy panels on the same building, to provide a total of four panels to the project.
“We are pleased to announce that the first phase will be ready for construction by the fall,” said MacKay in a press release.
“We have been working closely with the City of Winnipeg to ensure all of the required approvals and permits have been submitted and approved, and we have a solid plan in place to complete the project as planned.”
While the project is a long way off, it is expected that the solar power project will create new jobs for local residents, as well as increase the city as a whole.
“Winnipeg is a diverse city with many different types of energy resources, so the WESS project is helping to diversify the energy mix and promote clean, renewable energy in the community,” said Michael Gaffney, a member of the WESTCO board.
“Winnipeggers deserve a city that is energy efficient, and with solar energy, we can meet our city goals.”