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A New Star in the Energy Constellation

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Enbridge and six Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan have announced the Seven Stars Energy Project, a new 200 MW wind energy development southeast of Weyburn. This marks Enbridge's first Indigenous partnership for wind energy generation in Saskatchewan. The Indigenous partners, through Six Nations Energy Development Partnership, will have the opportunity to acquire at least 30% equity ownership in the project, supported by a $100 million loan guarantee from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance

The project, covering a 200-square-kilometre area, is targeted to be operational in 2027. It represents a significant step towards Indigenous economic reconciliation and provides a stable revenue source for the participating communities. The announcement was made on June 24, 2024, with final investment decisions anticipated in 2025, pending commercial agreements and regulatory approvals.

Positive
  • Enbridge's first Indigenous partnership for wind energy generation in Saskatchewan
  • Indigenous partners have opportunity to acquire at least 30% equity ownership
  • $100 million loan guarantee from Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance
  • 200 MW wind energy project covering 200-square-kilometre area
  • Project provides stable revenue source for Indigenous communities
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The collaboration between Enbridge and Indigenous communities for the Seven Stars Energy Project is a noteworthy venture in the realm of renewable energy investments. 200 megawatts (MW) of wind power production indicates a meaningful capacity, potentially contributing significantly to North America's renewable energy landscape. The Indigenous partnership model, allowing up to $100 million in loan guarantees, is a strong indicator of financial backing and commitment. From a financial perspective, Enbridge's diversification into wind energy reflects a strategic pivot towards sustainable energy, potentially enhancing their portfolio's stability and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

For retail investors, the key takeaway here is Enbridge's expansion into renewables, which may offer a more stable revenue stream in the long term. The partnership with Indigenous communities not only fosters social goodwill but also presents a unique long-term investment opportunity, especially considering the eventual 30% equity ownership by these communities. However, it's essential to monitor the project's progression through commercial agreements and regulatory approvals, which will be pivotal for its success.

The environmental impact of the Seven Stars Energy Project cannot be understated. Producing 200 MW of wind power represents a substantial step towards lowering carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy in Saskatchewan. Wind power, as a renewable resource, provides a sustainable alternative to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, which are significant contributors to climate change. Moreover, the involvement of Indigenous communities in such a project underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship and reconciliation.

For investors, this project positions Enbridge as a forward-thinking player in the energy sector, aligning with global trends towards sustainability. The environmental benefits, coupled with potential regulatory support, may enhance Enbridge’s standing for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) conscious investors. However, the project's success hinges on navigating environmental and regulatory approvals, which can be complex and time-consuming.

Large wind power project a first for Enbridge-Indigenous partnerships in Saskatchewan

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 16, 2024 / In many Indigenous cultures, the number seven symbolizes completeness and unity. To Enbridge and six First Nation and Metis communities in Saskatchewan, it's now imbued with a new meaning.

That's because the number is in the name of a new wind energy development announced at a news conference held June 24 at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina, the province's capital city.

The Seven Stars Energy Project is centered in a 200-square-kilometre area of southern Saskatchewan, southeast of the city of Weyburn. It will be designed to produce 200 megawatts (MW) of power.

Enbridge will develop, build and operate the project with the support of Indigenous partners including Cowessess First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Pasqua First Nation, and White Bear First Nations. They have created a new entity, Six Nations Energy Development Limited Partnership (Six Nations), to steward investment in the project.

"This is Enbridge's first Indigenous partnership focused on wind energy generation and our first Indigenous partnership in Saskatchewan," says Matthew Akman, Enbridge's Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and President of our Power group. "Partnerships of this nature are increasingly important in North America's energy future and we're very proud to be one of the seven stars who will be advancing this important renewable project."

The Indigenous partners will have an opportunity, collectively, to acquire at least 30% equity ownership in the project supported, in part, by a loan guarantee of up to $100 million from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation.

"This is a game-changer for the Indigenous Nations, Métis and First Nations," said Chief Matthew Peigan of Pasqua First Nation. "This Project will provide a stable source of revenue that will benefit our people for many years to come. We are pleased Enbridge sees that meaningful Indigenous ownership is the way to build energy infrastructure in this country and we look forward to developing this Project together."

With the announcement made, Enbridge and partners will focus on finalizing commercial agreements and securing the necessary environmental and regulatory approvals to support final investment decisions, anticipated in 2025. The Seven Stars project is targeted to be operational in 2027.

"This is our moment to not only benefit the environment but support the long-term well-being of our communities and advance First Nation and Métis economic reconciliation," said Brent Digness, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "It takes teamwork to complete complex projects like Seven Stars Energy. The MN-S government has taken steps to minimize risk to our citizens and will work with the federal government to secure additional support for our investment."

Dignitaries from the June 24, 2024 Seven Stars Energy Project signing ceremony. From left: Honourable Jeremy Harrison (Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development); Matthew Akman (Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and President, Power, Enbridge); Jake Sinclair, President, Six Nations Energy Development LP; Chief Byron Bitternose (George Gordon First Nation); President Glen McCallum (Metis Nation-Saskatchewan); Chief Matthew Peigan (Pasqua First Nation); Chief Erica Beaudin (Cowessess First Nation); Chief Evan Taypotat (Kahkewistahaw First Nation); Councillor Brett Standingready (White Bear First Nations); Colin Gruending (Executive Vice President and President, Liquids Pipelines, Enbridge); Honourable Dustin Duncan (Saskatchewan Minister of Crown Investments Corporation); and Rupen Pandya (CEO, SaskPower).

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Enbridge
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge



View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the Seven Stars Energy Project announced by Enbridge (ENB)?

The Seven Stars Energy Project is a 200 MW wind energy development in southern Saskatchewan, announced by Enbridge in partnership with six Indigenous communities. It's Enbridge's first Indigenous partnership for wind energy generation in the province.

When is the Seven Stars Energy Project (ENB) expected to be operational?

The Seven Stars Energy Project is targeted to be operational in 2027, with final investment decisions anticipated in 2025, pending commercial agreements and regulatory approvals.

What ownership stake do Indigenous partners have in Enbridge's (ENB) Seven Stars Energy Project?

The Indigenous partners, through Six Nations Energy Development Partnership, have the opportunity to acquire at least 30% equity ownership in the Seven Stars Energy Project.

How is the Indigenous investment in Enbridge's (ENB) Seven Stars project being supported?

The Indigenous investment is supported by a loan guarantee of up to $100 million from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance

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