Selkirk solar plant secures $270M in government funding

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A company working to build a solar glass manufacturing plant in Selkirk said on Wednesday that two levels of government have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance to help get the plant up and running.

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Calgary-based Canadian Premium Sand Inc. (CPS) announced they have reached agreements with both the province of Manitoba and the federal government that CPS says will see the levels of government provide up to $272 million in combined financial assistance for the construction of an integrated patterned solar glass manufacturing facility in Selkirk.

“After conversations with the provincial and federal governments about how our project will bring economic opportunity to the region and strengthen Canada’s solar energy supply chain, both have signalled their intentions to provide up to $272 million in financial support,” CPS said.

“Together, these investments would cover more than 30% of the project’s total cost, and have a notable impact to its eventual success.”

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In December of 2021, CPS announced they had selected Selkirk to be the new home for a solar glass manufacturing facility they said would create approximately 300 jobs, and be the only factory in North America to produce glass for solar energy.

CPS said the province now intends to provide $72 million in financial support for the project, which will include infrastructure investments and a low-interest loan.

CPS said the infrastructure investments will result in a reduction of approximately $32 million in capital costs for the project.

The federal government also intends to provide financial support of up to $100M towards this project, according to CPS, and the company will also seek an additional $100 million in federal assistance through the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program with the “potential to facilitate a meaningful ownership position in the CPS project for participating Indigenous groups.”

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CPS said they have been in discussions with Manitoba Indigenous groups to explore investment opportunities in the project through the program, which looks to provide opportunities for Indigenous communities to benefit from major natural resource and energy projects taking place in or near their territories.

“The Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba have demonstrated support for our project and their commitment ensures Canada plays a key role in the clean energy supply-chain leveraging Manitoba’s renewable hydroelectricity, abundant critical mineral resources, and skilled and motivated workforce,” CPS President & CEO Glenn Leroux said in a statement.

CPS said they expect to have “shovels in the ground” on the project sometime in 2025.

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