The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), First Nations Power Authority (FNPA), and the School of Environment & Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan (SENS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Thursday.

Ray Orb, president of SARM, said they need to make sure that they meet the deadline put forward by the province of Saskatchewan.

"We would like to promote renewable energy. That includes solar power and wind power. We know that the province of Saskatchewan has a mandate by 2030 they're asking for up to 50% renewable energy, so we signed this agreement hoping that we can help the province with that mandate. We have 3 organizations, we can work together collaboratively to advance renewable energy in this province."

The idea of the joint venture began more than a year ago, when the University of Saskatchewan invited SARM to attend a panel discussion on renewable energy, said Orb.

"During the last year and a half, we've been meeting, and all 3 of us realized we need to collaborate. In one sense, this is a great first step for First Nations. And SARM, showing the general public and the province that we can work together with First Nations and I think it's going to be a great project."

They are beginning to set up meetings across Saskatchewan to both get the word out on the merger and also educate the public on the idea of renewable energy options.

The MOU is an agreement to explore opportunities for research collaborations in Saskatchewan Indigenous communities and rural municipalities and their development, together with their roles in renewable energy policies, processes, ownership and production.

"Obviously there are areas in the province that are probably going to be more compatible with wind or solar. Some of that will depend on the power grid in this province. What we intend to do is to start somewhere in this province, and to go out and possibly meet with some of the rural municipalities and some of the First Nations groups as well. Set up some workshops to generally spread the word that we have this MOU and we're willing to work together with them. We need to advance the cause."

Meetings are going to start taking place as early as July and August of 2019, and Orb said with concerns about meeting the deadline, the combined efforts will be good for Saskatchewan.

"The working arrangement has been really great. There's going to be and has been already, a lot of education for our board members learning more about solar and wind power. Some of the new technology, ways that can be delivered. We know there's a big interest in Canada right now, and particularly in Western Canada which I think is refreshing."