FirstLight and Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation Awarded Contract for New Solar Generation Through IESO’s LT2 Energy Supply Procurement

OSHAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FirstLight, a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company, and Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation, today announced the award of their 57.2 MW Fort Frances Solar Project in the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Long-Term 2 Request for Proposals (LT2). The Fort Frances Solar Project was one of 14 projects awarded contracts by the IESO, together representing more than 1,300 MW of new clean electricity supply for the province as it works to support forecasted increased electricity demand, while maintaining affordability and advancing carbon reduction goals.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded a contract in the IESO’s LT2 Energy Supply Procurement to bring new solar generation to Ontario communities in collaboration with our valued partner, Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation,” said FirstLight CEO Justin Trudell

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Upon completion, the Project will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 8,000 Ontario households and will create local employment during construction and throughout its 20‑year contract term, delivering meaningful economic and community benefits to the Town of Fort Frances. As a 50% partner, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation will be involved in the Project’s development. The Project will also support the First Nation’s growth, vision, and prosperity.

The Fort Frances Solar Project builds on FirstLight and its predecessors’ more than 100-year legacy in the community through its 13.1MW hydroelectric project, Fort Frances Generating Station, which was built in 1909 and is located on the Rainy River.

“FirstLight is thrilled to have been awarded a contract in the IESO’s LT2 Energy Supply Procurement to bring new solar generation online for communities across Ontario in collaboration with our valued partner, Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation,” said Justin Trudell, President and CEO of FirstLight. “We are proud to support Ontario’s growing electricity demand and efforts to maintain affordability without compromising on carbon reduction targets.”

“Securing this contract represents a meaningful step forward in building long-term, sustainable economic capacity for our Nation while contributing to Ontario’s future energy needs,” said Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation Chief Whitecloud. “The Fort Frances Solar Project reflects how Indigenous Nations can participate as true partners in major infrastructure – shaping projects from the outset, ensuring responsible stewardship of our traditional lands, and creating enduring value for our members. We are proud to work alongside FirstLight to advance a project that aligns economic opportunity with environmental responsibility and intergenerational benefit.”

“Congratulations to FirstLight on the award by the IESO of their 57.2 MW solar farm that will be developed within the Town of Fort Frances. Fort Frances welcomes the development of Green Energy Sources within its boundaries,” said Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas. “This Solar Farm will contribute to the economic future of Fort Frances, the Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation and the Province of Ontario and will provide much needed clean, reliable, renewable electricity that will power industry and our daily lives. We are proud to see a long-standing partner like FirstLight continuing to invest in our community, and we look forward to an enduring, mutually beneficial relationship with FirstLight and Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation.”

About FirstLight
FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company serving North America. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 1.6 GW of operating renewable energy and energy storage technologies and a development pipeline with 4+ GW of solar, battery, hydro, and onshore and offshore wind projects, FirstLight specializes in hybrid solutions that pair hydroelectric, pumped-hydro storage, utility-scale solar, large-scale battery, and wind assets. The company’s mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by supporting the development, operation, and integration of renewable energy and storage to meet the world’s growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable. Based in Burlington, MA, with operating offices in Northfield, MA, New Milford, CT, Adrian, PA, Oshawa, ON, and Montréal, QC, FirstLight is a steward of more than 14,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline along some of the most beautiful rivers and lakes in North America. FirstLight has been wholly owned by PSP Investments since 2016. To learn more, visit www.firstlight.energy or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.

About Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation
Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation is an Ojibwe Nation in Northwestern Ontario. The Nation has a unique history of forced abandonment of its reserve lands due to artificial flooding, which resulted in generations of displacement for its members. Today, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation is actively advancing initiatives to rebuild its Nation, including restoring its land base, strengthening governance, and creating long-term economic opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on sustainable development, the Nation is working to establish a strong economic foundation that supports community well-being, self-determination, and intergenerational growth.