Feb. 11, 2021 - For immediate release
AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – The City of Airdrie and ENMAX are pleased to announce the completion of Airdrie’s second rooftop solar installation on top of Airdrie’s new Transit facility. It is projected that the solar array will generate 410,000kwh of electricity in the first year, which will be used onsite. This is the equivalent of removing greenhouse gas emissions from 63 passenger vehicles driven for one year.
“By investing in buildings today that generate as much energy as they use, we’re saving money while putting a down payment on cleaner air and water for generations to come in Canada,” said the Honourable Minister Jim Carr, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Together with our regional partners, we are investing in projects that build strong communities and improve the quality of life for Albertans now and for years to come. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creating jobs across the country, and building cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
“Expanding access to public transit is a key objective of GreenTRIP,” said Ric McIver, Minister, Alberta Transportation. “By investing in Airdrie’s Transit Storage and Maintenance Facility, we’re making it easier for Albertans to get where they need to go and are reducing congestion for everyone.”
“Airdrie is proud to be a leader in solar infrastructure in Canadian municipalities,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “This project aligns with our sustainability plan and shows what we can accomplish when different levels of government work together with forward-thinking organizations, like ENMAX.”
The solar array consists of 1024 solar panels and is projected to save the City approximately $84,000 annually, (based on average sunlight providing an annual output of 412MWh) which equates to a return on investment of approximately 12 years.
“ENMAX is pleased to see continued investment in renewables by the City of Airdrie with the expansion of their solar generation portfolio at their new transit facility,” said Mike Tearoe, Acting Director of Energy Solutions at ENMAX. “We’re proud to continue to work in partnership with the City of Airdrie as they continue to steward climate leadership within Alberta.”
The project was made possible due to funding from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre programs fund ($245,760), the Federal Gas Tax Fund ($100,240) and the province’s overall $14.2 million funding commitment for the City of Airdrie’s Transit Storage and Maintenance Facility under the Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP).
For more information, visit www.airdrie.ca/solar
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About the City of Airdrie
Airdrie is the fifth largest City in Alberta with a population of over 70,000. Located north of Calgary, Airdrie is known for its entrepreneurial yet small town feel.
About ENMAX
ENMAX has been providing renewable energy to homes, businesses and municipalities since 2009 and has installed 50 per cent of the solar capacity in Alberta. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with operations across Alberta and Maine, ENMAX Corporation (ENMAX) is a leading provider of electricity services, products and solutions. Through its subsidiaries, ENMAX Power Corporation and Versant Power (formerly Emera Maine), ENMAX owns and operates transmission and distribution utilities in Calgary, Alberta and northern and eastern Maine, safely and reliably delivering electricity to all Calgary homes and businesses and more than 159,000 customers in Maine. Through ENMAX Energy Corporation, ENMAX owns and operates 1,509 MW of generation and offers a range of innovative electricity, natural gas, energy and engineering services to more than 674,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across Alberta. ENMAX is a private corporation and The City of Calgary is its sole shareholder.
Media contacts:
City of Airdrie
Glenn Archer, Team Leader, Capital Projects
403.948.8800 ext. 6371
Glenn.Archer@airdrie.ca
ENMAX
Gina Sutherland
403.689.6150
mediaroom@enmax.com