The 350-megawatt Moose Jaw natural gas-fired power station has taken a significant step toward becoming a reality.

The Minister responsible for SaskPower Dustin Duncan announced Thursday morning that the company has completed its review of new federal regulations and decided to proceed with the project.

“In spite of changing federal regulations, building the gas plant at Moose Jawremains the most economic choice for SaskPower,” Duncan said. “Natural gas generation is a cost-efficient, low-carbon and reliable source of baseload power, which will be crucial as we continue to increase renewables.”

Since SaskPower initially advanced the project, federal environmental approval has been received. A process for the pre-qualification of proposals to build the facility has also been undertaken. With this decision to proceed, SaskPower will submit a technical proposal for provincial environmental review, execute land and service agreements, and proceed with shortlisting qualified proponents to design and build the facility.

SaskPower began engaging communities about the project in 2017 and ultimately selected Moose Jaw as the preferred location. In June 2019, the federal government announced new regulations for natural gas generation coming online after January 1, 2021, which stalled the plans. 

We'll have more on this story as information becomes available.