E.L. Smith Solar Farm

We intend to build a new solar farm on our property just south of the existing E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant. The solar farm will generate renewable energy to help power the water treatment plant and its water treatment and distribution processes, while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. We'll be providing clean water made with clean energy.

We're committed to the City of Edmonton's objective to become a leader in energy efficiency and conservation, and this project aligns with the City of Edmonton's The Way We Green: Environmental Strategic Plan by converting a portion of EPCOR's energy use to locally produced, renewable resources.

Expanded habitat and public parkland

The solar farm will actually add 31.5 acres of land to the river valley park system.
Solar Farm and
the Environment

Making Edmonton a clean energy leader

We will achieve immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the City of Edmonton's energy transition strategy and creating momentum on climate leadership.
Using solar resulting in
clean water and clean energy

Creating a smart grid system

This project will allow us to store green energy in a battery system to add resiliency to the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant, and offer unique research and learning opportunities.
Battery energy
storage system

Engagement and consultation

We have had over 850 conversations about this project with community residents, indigenous groups, special interest groups and government in order to gather feedback and input on the planning process.
Community input
and feedback

Project timeline and next steps

All local, provincial and regulatory approvals have been received, and construction on the solar farm will begin in Spring 2021.
Construction details
and timeline

Powering our water treatment plant

The location of the Solar Farm is necessary. It is specifically designed to use green energy to power the E.L. Smith plant and must be located directly next to the water treatment plant.
Powering our plant

Did you know?

Edmonton is noted as one of the top major cities in Canada for solar energy capture, and annual photovoltaic potential. Due to the amount of sunlight in Alberta, solar power efficiency and output is much higher than in other geographical locations in Canada. EPCOR will be optimizing the design of the solar farm in order to produce the most energy possible during the spring, summer and fall months, in order to best align with water demand at the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant.

Let's talk

We believe in listening to and engaging stakeholders. Community input and involvement is an important part of the solar farm project, and we want to hear what you think about our initiatives.

Contact us

Ph: (780) 412-3599

Email: greenproject@epcor.com

E.L. Smith Solar Farm

On October 19, 2020 Edmonton City Council approved the rezoning of EPCOR-owned land for the E.L. Smith solar farm project.