In Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Black & McDonald is at the forefront of a groundbreaking shift in sustainable energy. As part of SaskPower’s ambitious initiative to cut greenhouse gas emissions and ensure reliable power, we are playing a pivotal role in the construction of the Great Plains Power Station. It is a state-of-the-art, 377-megawatt natural gas power plant that will provide cleaner, more efficient energy for generations to come. This project signifies more than just infrastructure development; it’s part of a larger movement toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the province.
B&M’s Innovation and Expertise
At Black & McDonald, we’re committed to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions for today’s challenges while paving the way for a cleaner tomorrow. Our involvement in the Great Plains Power Station reflects this dedication.
Our teams spearheaded key aspects of the project— leading HVAC, piping, and commissioning—contributing over $20 million in resources and expertise. Our Saskatoon facility fabricated vital components locally, highlighting our capacity to support large-scale projects both regionally and nationally. This project is a prime example of how we merge technical excellence with environmental responsibility to deliver exceptional results.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Dedication
The success of this multi-year project is rooted in the strong partnership between our field teams and our fabrication shop, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality work.
As Ron Huckleberry, Project Manager at Black & McDonald, shared, “The exemplary field execution in the early stages of the project has led to significant contract growth. Site superintendent Brad Konanz, the trades team and support staff have proven that quality work and client support is paramount to building client relationships and long-term success. This is the second SaskPower facility that Black & McDonald have been a part of and we are currently bidding on a third project commencing next year.”
Currently, our crews are focused on completing the final stages of commissioning and start-up. Once operational, the plant’s combined-cycle technology will generate an efficient stream of power, cutting emissions by half compared to traditional coal plants. Our work at the power plant exemplifies the cutting-edge sustainable energy practices that we are capable of as the power plant will also capture waste heat to create additional electricity, further increasing its efficiency.
Supporting Local Growth and Indigenous Communities
When we look beyond the technical innovations, the Great Plains Power Station is a symbol of what can be accomplished when we prioritize local contributions. The project has had a profound and enduring impact on the local economy. Throughout the project, more than $257 million has been invested locally. Of that amount, $46 million directly benefited Indigenous communities. At the peak of construction, over 600 jobs were generated. The project maybe concluding, but the economic impact is long lasting. The power plant will support 35 permanent roles filled by local families.
Creating a Future of Sustainable Energy
As part of SaskPower’s plan to generate 50% of its power from renewable sources by 2030, the Great Plains Power Station is critical to ensuring a stable, reliable energy supply. This energy supply is available even when weather conditions limit wind or solar generation. It will allow the incorporation of more renewable energy into the power grid and reinforce Saskatchewan’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
As the Great Plains Power Station nears completion, Black & McDonald is proud to be a driving force behind this innovative and transformative project. Our work on this power station is about more than what meets the eye—it serves as a promise to the generations to come that we will continue to pave the way toward a sustainable energy future.
Learn more: BM_News_Winter_2024_EN.pdf