RES Sells Big Sky Solar Project in Alberta to TotalEnergies

RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, has sold its 184MWdc Big Sky Solar project in Alberta to TotalEnergies.

The solar farm, located near Acadia Valley, became operational in February 2025 and is expected to generate enough to power more than 42,000 homes. It will also offset 135,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, the equivalent of removing 41,000 cars from the road.

More than two thirds of the electricity produced by Big Sky Solar will be sold under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) facilitated by RES. The remainder will be sold by TotalEnergies on the electricity market. The solar farm will generate carbon offset credits under Alberta’s regulated carbon emissions program.

On top of purchasing Big Sky Solar, TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with RES to acquire certain wind and solar projects under development in Alberta, for a total renewables power production capacity of more than 800 megawatts (MW).

Peter Clibbon, Senior Vice President of Development at RES, said: “We are proud to have developed Big Sky Solar into a high-quality renewable energy asset, helping drive Alberta’s energy transition. This sale underscores the growing demand for well-developed solar projects in Canada, and we are pleased to be working closely with TotalEnergies on more projects in the future.”

Stéphane Michel, President of Gas, Renewables and Power at TotalEnergies, stated "We are pleased with the signing of these agreements with RES to acquire over 600 MW of renewables projects under development in Alberta, along with the closing of the Big Sky Solar farm acquisition. These projects will contribute to our targets of 35 GW of gross renewable capacity by 2025 and over 100 TWh of electricity production by 2030. This also strengthens our operations in markets where we are deploying our Integrated Power business, such as in North America. Furthermore, it will contribute to cash flow growth and to our goal of reaching our 12% profitability target in the electricity segment.”

The Big Sky Solar project has secured approximately C$25 million from Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREP) programme. It will generate emissions credits under Alberta’s TIER carbon programme.

Big Sky Solar is connected to Alberta’s electricity grid via ATCO’s 144kV transmission system. It covers 800 acres of previously disturbed farmland and features around 340,000 bifacial solar panels and is designed to accommodate future energy storage, ensuring long-term flexibility and grid stability.

Beyond its environmental benefits, Big Sky Solar is expected to contribute more than C$30 million in new tax revenue over its lifetime, supporting local infrastructure and public services. The project created around 250 jobs during construction and will sustain up to five permanent roles, with additional employment through local contracts for maintenance and operations.

2025 marks RES’ 20th anniversary operating in Canada.

RES | www.res-group.com