SaskPower says it is investing $71 million into the Coteau Creek Hydroelectric Station over the next five years. Coteau Creek has been in operation for 52 years and produces 186 megawatts of power. The Crown corporation says it wants to extend the operational life of the facility which provides renewable power to Saskatchewan.

Located on the South Saskatchewan River about 110 kilometres south of Saskatoon, Coteau Creek was built in 1969. The investment is part of SaskPower’s goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and key to that is maintaining hydroelectric generation.

The work includes$59 million to upgrade and modernize the plant which is expected to be complete in 2026. There will be an additional $12 million dollars invested for infrastructure improvements as well as improvements in the plant’s security, heating and cooling systems, and conrol room systems.