THUNDER BAY, ON, March 14, 2019 /CNW/ - Marten Falls First Nation and Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE) announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to explore a renewable energy pilot project to reduce dependence on diesel fuel consumption in Marten Falls, a remote community located southeast of Ontario's Ring of Fire region.

The pilot project aims to install an innovative solar power generation system built on a self-support, surface mount foundation including battery storage, an energy management system and an electrical interface connection to the existing HORCI substation. The durable design is tailored for remote northern climates and has the capability to produce significantly more energy than standard fixed mount solar panels by maximizing solar irradiance.

As part of the planning process, and in efforts to maximize the utilization of existing machinery available in the community, the parties will explore and develop training programs for the Marten Falls members to repair and operate heavy equipment and machinery. This would be a stepping stone towards future training and capacity development initiatives that could include training community members for construction and operations jobs if the project proceeds to development.

"For Marten Falls, this is a positive development that will help reduce dependence on expensive, non-renewable energy and provide economic benefits to the community in a sustainable fashion," said Chief Bruce Achneepineskum, Marten Falls First Nation. "The community currently relies on diesel and other supplies that are flown in at great expense. We need innovative solutions like this for socio-economic development."

"Aecon is pleased to partner with Marten Falls First Nation to explore this innovative renewable energy solution which supports Canada's carbon reduction strategy through diesel abatement," said Jean Louis Servranckx, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aecon Group Inc. "Aecon has a proven track record of creating meaningful and lasting economic benefits in the communities in which we operate."

About Marten Falls First Nation

Marten Falls First Nation is an Indigenous community located in northwestern Ontario, also known as Ogoki Post. Marten Falls First Nation is situated at the junction of the Albany and Ogoki Rivers, north of Nakina and northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The community is accessible year-round by air, and in the winter, it is accessible by ice road from January to March.

About Aecon

Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) is a Canadian leader and partner-of-choice in construction and infrastructure development. Aecon provides integrated turnkey services to private and public-sector clients in the Infrastructure and Industrial sectors, and provides project management, financing and development services through its Concessions segment. For more information, please visit aecon.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @AeconGroup.

Statement on Forward-Looking Information

The information in this press release includes certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans but are subject to risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook for Aecon.  Forward-looking statements, may in some cases be identified by words such as "will," "plans," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "should" or the negative of these terms, or similar expressions. In addition to events beyond Aecon's control, there are factors which could cause actual or future results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or inferred herein including, but not limited to: the timing of projects, unanticipated costs and expenses, general market and industry conditions and operational and reputational risks, including Large Project Risk and Contractual Factors.  Readers are referred to the specific risk factors relating to and affecting Aecon's business and operations as filed by Aecon pursuant to applicable securities laws.  Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Aecon undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Aecon Group Inc.

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