Government of Canada supports Indigenous-led smart microgrid project in northern Saskatchewan

Source: | · GOVERNMENT OF CANADA · | October 17, 2025

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing clean, reliable and affordable energy solutions while supporting Indigenous leadership in building Canada’s clean energy future. Today, The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced over $1.9 million in federal support for the development of a state-of-the-art smart microgrid serving the communities of La Plonge and Poplar House District in northern Saskatchewan. 

This innovative 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.

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.