Developers plan to build a $700-million solar energy project in Southern Alberta.

Kinbrook Solar and Solar Krafte Utilities are proposing to construct the Rainier Solar Farm on 165 acres of Eastern Irrigation District land near Brooks, Alta., located 190 kilometres southeast of Calgary. Kinbrook has entered into a lease agreement with the EID, the district reported.

Construction is slated to be completed in 2024.

The proposed development is listed among new proposals on an Alberta government major projects website. A project description estimates the investment at $700 million.

The developers are seeking approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission, which regulates electric, gas and water utilities projects. According to an AUC document, Solar Krafte has applied to amend a project that was approved in 2022, seeking to reduce power production to 360 megawatts from 400 MW.

However, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith imposed a six-month moratorium on solar and wind-power project approvals in August. Smith contends that backup natural-gas-fired electricity plants are needed for times when the sun does not shine or wind does not blow.

Solar Krafte is a Calgary-based Canadian company. Kinbrook is owned by Diode Ventures, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global engineering and development firm Black & Veach.