Algoma District, Ontario

CarbonFree Kynoch

A ~154 MWAC solar project in the District of Algoma, awarded a 20-year contract under the IESO’s Long-Term 2 procurement and designed to keep the land in agricultural production.

Contract awarded April 2026 Operation by May 2030 Developed by CarbonFree since 2006
~154 MWac
Nameplate capacity delivered to the grid
~185 MWdc
Installed panel capacity across the site
20 years
IESO contract term from the operation date
May 2030
Commercial operation on or before 1 May 2030
The project

Project facts

CarbonFree Kynoch LP is proposing to develop a 154 MW AC / 185 MW DC solar photovoltaic project to contribute to Ontario’s goal of accelerating new electricity generation from renewable sources.

Project name
CarbonFree Kynoch
Proponent
CarbonFree Kynoch Ltd.
Technology
Solar photovoltaic
Procurement
IESO LT2(e-1)
Contract awarded April 2026; 20 years from commercial operation
AC capacity
~154 MWac
DC capacity
~185 MWdc
Location
Unincorporated district of Algoma, approximately 80 km east of Sault Ste. Marie, along Highway 554.
Algoma District Ontario
Aerial view of the CarbonFree Kynoch project site along Highway 554
Site location

Algoma District, along Highway 554

Important updates

What’s changed, and when

One entry per milestone, newest first.

Recognition

Recognised by Agrivoltaics Canada

CarbonFree Kynoch was recognised by Agrivoltaics Canada as “a pioneer in bringing agrivoltaics into the mainstream in Ontario.”

Procurement

Contract awarded under IESO LT2(e-1)

CarbonFree Kynoch has been awarded a contract in the IESO’s Long-Term 2 RFP for energy. Proposals were submitted on 16 October 2025; the project must reach commercial operation on or before 1 May 2030, and the contract runs 20 years from that date.

Agricultural commitment

Agrivoltaics in action

The project embraces agrivoltaics — a land-use model that combines solar energy production with active agricultural practices. We are committed to returning more land to agricultural production than is taken out: formerly cleared lands go back into production, seeded with grazing species and maintained throughout the project’s life.

Livestock grazing

Rotational grazing in partnership with local agricultural producers, with grazing cycles timed to avoid overgrazing. It supports local farming operations and maintains the land naturally, without chemical herbicides.

Pollinator habitat

Native wildflower meadows planted to support bees and other pollinators vital to the surrounding agricultural ecosystem — goldenrod, black-eyed Susan and wild bergamot.

Community apiary

The project is exploring a community-led shared apiary initiative, to support the broader agricultural lands and the growth of local farm products.

Sheep grazing between rows of solar panels
Livestock grazing

Grazing under the panels

Rotational grazing in partnership with local agricultural producers supports native pasture and maintains vegetation naturally, without chemical herbicides.

Why solar

How solar PV supports a greener Ontario

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology transforms sunlight into electricity using specially designed panels made of semiconductor materials.

  • Clean and renewable. PV systems generate electricity with zero greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Quiet and low impact. Solar panels operate silently and have a minimal footprint on surrounding communities.
  • Reversible land use. PV installations are designed to be temporary, preserving the land’s long-term value.
  • Energy security. Solar projects help diversify Ontario’s energy mix and enhance resilience.
  • Long-term stewardship. Solar projects can coexist with natural ecosystems and even improve site conditions over time.
Community engagement

Open houses & meetings

Community engagement is central to this project. We host open houses to gather input and answer questions, and post the dates here as they are confirmed.

Webinar

Agrivoltaics Canada webinar

Public meeting

Second Public Meeting

Following up on the first Public Meeting held in November 2025.

Public meeting

First Public Meeting

Introductory information session.

Community meeting

Parkinson Township Community Meeting

Regulatory context

The approvals it has to pass

The project will follow Ontario’s rigorous permitting and assessment process, including but not limited to:

  • Environmental impact studies
  • Archaeological and cultural heritage assessments
  • Noise, traffic and visual impact modelling
Project documents

Everything on the public record

Current versions. Superseded ones move to the Historical band below rather than being deleted.

Meeting notice

Notice of Proposal & Public Meeting

Historical

Superseded versions

Kept on the page so the record of what was filed, and when, stays intact.

Economic benefits

Lasting economic value, here in the community

The CarbonFree Kynoch Project isn’t just about generating clean, renewable energy — it’s about creating lasting economic value right here in the community.

Local employment

The project will create meaningful employment, including roles in electrical, civil and mechanical trades.

Agricultural income

Farmers benefit as grazing and beekeeping continue on project lands, keeping hundreds of acres in agricultural production.

Hospitality

Visiting project managers, technicians and contractors support local hotels, restaurants and service providers throughout the life of the facility.

Local contractors first

Priority for civil works (fencing, earthworks, road construction), vegetation management, local road improvements and catering.

Landowner income

Local landowners hosting solar panels receive dependable rent payments each year, keeping those dollars circulating in the area.

First Nation partnership

A 50% ownership stake held by the local First Nation, with a commitment to Indigenous participation through equity partnerships, training and procurement opportunities.

Contact the project

Ask us anything about Kynoch

Messages sent from this page go to the Kynoch project team, not to a general inbox.

Goes to kynoch@carbonfree.com · We reply within two business days