A fundamental pillar supporting the world’s economy, the energy industry can be defined as the totality of all the agencies involved in the manufacture and trade of electricity. Generated primarily by burning fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, the electric production sector is also a major global contributor to environmental degradation and resource depletion. The rapidly growing need for energy demands more sustainable and greener alternatives. Amongst the plethora of renewable alternatives in place, solar energy is able to achieve a greater degree of success in reducing our carbon footprint.
The production of a relatively higher output at a considerably lower cost grants solar transformation a strategic predominance in the consumer market. Efforts around the globe have put the world on a path to a sustainable future. Mirroring the world’s dedication and environmental spirit, companies globally are pushing themselves to exceed their limits to attain their sustainable goals. Flexrack’s simultaneous progress on two of its major solar projects is an impressive example of the global attitude.
Flexrack is a solar technology integrated subsidiary of Qcells. It offers its consumers several custom-designed options of fix-tilt ground-mounted and single-axis units. Their solar tracking system approaches are generally well received commercially in the solar mounting industries. With installations generating more than 4 GW of solar spread over 40 US states and 9 Canadian provinces, Flexrack has a well-established consumer base. The company also has a claim to the successful completion of the Georgian Jimmy Carter Sumpter project, which has a generation capacity of 1.3 MW. Convinced by its reputation and achievements, the company has been awarded two major solar initiatives in the Canadian province of Alberta.
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Scotford project, dubbed as ‘the largest behind-the-meter solar project in Canada’, is estimated to produce 81 MW of energy. As a subsidiary owned by Silicon Ranch Corporation- one of the biggest independent energy producers in the U.S., its projects are of great economic significance. The 81 MW Scotford project construction is supported by nearly 140 workers and is expected to contribute around 200,000 USD annually towards the government and educational system of Strathcona County. The project is anticipated to operate in conjunction with Aldersid’s energy storage system to power an oil refinery complex dedicated to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
On the other hand, the 101 MW generating Saddlebrook project is the first of its kind North American initiative that would include adding a flow system for battery energy storage in the future. The project is presently under construction, providing jobs for hundreds locally. With development expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2023, the company is on track to achieve its goals. Once complete, the electricity produced by the Saddlebrook project will power the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES) via an additional 138 kV substation located on the project land. On completion, the project is expected to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional energy generation practices exponentially. By eradicating an estimated 73,600 tons of carbon dioxide produced annually, Saddlebrook has the potential to reduce environmental degradation, equivalent to nearly 16,000 cars.
Joshua Austin joined News Gazzte as a senior editor in 2023. Joshua is an automotive journalist who previously worked as an autonomous vehicle test engineer at Uber. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science, with a specialization in technical writing and journalism. Joshua’s enthusiasm lies in automotive technology and the evolution of transportation. He remains vigilant in tracking the most recent developments in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and other emerging technologies.