SaskPower is exploring the potential to build a 55-megawatt (MW) natural gas facility in the Meadow Lake area, replacing an existing power plant that has reached end of life.

“SaskPower continues to make significant investments into the provincial power system to ensure reliable and affordable power for customers,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “Feedback from the public and stakeholders will help to inform the path forward for this project, which if approved would fortify the power system and support future economic growth in Northwest Saskatchewan for years to come.”

SaskPower has secured two land options near the existing station and will undertake field assessments and public engagement with landowners, Indigenous Rightsholders and other stakeholders in the area to help determine the best site. Since some of the specialized equipment takes time to build, SaskPower will begin the procurement process while field assessments are underway.

“The proposed new station, which will have a greater capacity than the existing Meadow Lake plant, will use Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) technology,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO. “This approach will allow us to construct the facility in less time, and enable it to provide flexible, dispatchable power whenever it is needed.”

While SaskPower had explored the development of a new transmission line in the area, it was determined that the better option to meet current needs is to replace the existing generation facility. If the decision is made to proceed, the facility is expected to come online as early as the end of 2029. The existing 41-MW Meadow Lake Power Station would remain available until the new facility is operational.

For more information, please visit saskpower.com/MeadowLakeGas.

At a glance...

• SaskPower is assessing the potential to replace an existing natural gas facility near Meadow Lake
• The proposed facility would have a generating capacity of 55 MW
• Visit saskpower.com/MeadowLakeGas for more information