DESCHARME LAKE — The Descharme Lake Microgrid, the first independent community power system of its kind in Saskatchewan, is now online.
The microgrid is a custom-built system that combines solar power, battery energy storage and back-up diesel generation to power the northern community of Descharme Lake, which is located approximately 95 kilometres north of La Loche. The system will replace an aging 96-kilometre power line.
“The Descharme Lake Microgrid will lower maintenance costs and reduce vegetation management requirements while improving reliability for customers year-round and in all weather conditions,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO.
“Operating this system will also provide us with valuable experience and insight as we consider whether microgrids are an option for other remote locations in our province.”
More than 80 per cent of the power generated by the microgrid on most days will be solar. Excess energy will be stored within the batteries, which can provide about 24 hours of power to the community on one charge. Back-up diesel generation will kick in when battery energy is low.
SaskPower engaged with the local community, which has about 20 residences, and with rightsholders in making its decision to replace the existing line with a microgrid. The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) was contracted to design and construct the microgrid, and supported stakeholder engagement.
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