The project is an example of Indigenous leadership driving clean energy innovation in Canada. (Facebook/Buckley Belanger MP)

By Derek Cornet

infrastructure

Feds invest in clean energy microgrid in Northern Sask.

Oct 17, 2025 | 3:46 PM

The federal government is investing $1.9 million for the development of what’s being called a state-of-the-art smart microgrid serving the communities of La Plonge and Poplar House District in Northern Saskatchewan.

The project, led by Aurora Renewables, a First Nation clean energy service provider owned by the Des Nedhe Group and Extropic Energy, will integrate solar power and battery storage to improve energy resilience, support grid stability, and increase renewable energy generation in these communities.

The project is fully owned by English River First Nation through the Des Nedhe Group.

“Indigenous-led clean energy projects in rural communities like this one at La Plonge are enhancing the reliability of our local energy grid, lowering energy costs and creating jobs in our region, all while lowering emissions and safeguarding the environment,” Secretary of State Buckley Belanger said in a media release issued Friday.

Funded through NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program, the La Plonge and Poplar House District smart microgrid stands as a model for Indigenous-led, community-owned clean energy initiatives. By implementing advanced Digital Twin technology, the project will optimize grid operations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help modernize the energy grid in Northern Saskatchewan.

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“Thanks to this collaboration and commitment, we are bringing the La Plonge Solar and Battery Energy Storage System to life,” said Sean Willy, the President and CEO of Des Nedhe Group.

“This project … represents years of work toward taking charge of our own energy future. Through Aurora Renewables, our majority-owned Indigenous clean energy provider, we’re demonstrating what economic sovereignty looks like. That means developing, designing and building the infrastructure that will power our communities for generations to come.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com