ANAHIM
LAKE, BC, April 19, 2024 /CNW/ - A new solar energy
project will provide the Ulkatcho First Nation with clean
energy after a combined investment of $15,841,000 from the federal and provincial
governments.
Announced by Minister Sean
Fraser, Minister George
Heyman, and President Chris
O'Riley this project is set to reduce the need for diesel
generation in the remote community by about 64% -- equal to a
reduction of 1.1 million litres of diesel a year – and it is
estimated to be the largest off-grid solar project in Canada.
Located in Anahim Lake in
Central B.C., the Ulkatcho First Nation's power is currently 100%
diesel generated. After scientific studies and a business case were
completed, it was determined that solar power was the best
alternative energy solution for the community.
To transition the community to clean energy, a solar power plant
will be built by Ulkatcho Energy Corporation south of Anahim Lake. The project also includes the
construction of new access roads and paths, control and monitoring
of the new facility, fire management, security, signage, and other
related assets. BC Hydro will buy the solar energy through a
Community Electricity Purchase Agreement and integrate the energy
into its microgrid through a line interconnection and battery
energy storage system to then serve the community.
Quotes
"Working with communities like the Ulkatcho First Nation to
transition to cleaner energy sources builds on our commitment
to tackling climate change while supporting people across the
country. This solar energy facility will not only reduce the
community's greenhouse gas emissions, but will also bring about
reduced expenses due to the shutting down of diesel generators. We
are incredibly proud to be able to support this great project.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"Switching from diesel fuel to renewable energy to heat your
home or power your lights is a challenge if you live in a remote or
isolated community. In partnership with the federal government and
the Ulkatcho First Nation, clean-energy projects like this one will
support many First Nations communities to improve air quality,
reduce carbon-related pollution and increase their energy
independence. This is an important part of reconciliation and of
our work to ensure we all have a cleaner, better future — no matter
where we live in our beautiful province."
The Honourable George Heyman, Minister of Environment and
Climate Change Strategy
"The Anahim Lake Solar Farm is just one example of how BC Hydro
is working with First Nations to promote renewable energy, advance
electrification, and form long-term partnerships," says Chris
O'Riley, BC Hydro's President and CEO. "It's an important part of
BC Hydro's commitment to improve accessibility of clean, reliable,
and affordable power to Indigenous Nations and communities in
remote areas of B.C. This partnership lays the foundation for
Indigenous participation in B.C.'s clean-energy sector and aims to
not just promote sustainability, but also economic development and
energy sovereignty for members of Ulkatcho First Nation."
Chris O'Riley, President and
CEO, BC Hydro
"As Canada strives towards its
commitments to mitigate the effects of Climate Change, the Ulkatcho
Energy Corporation sees this as an excellent opportunity - not only
to diversify the activities of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies, but
also play a critical role in ultimately displacing the use of
diesel in the generation of clean electricity for Anahim Lake in particular and elsewhere. This
is a model for meaningful Public-Private-Community
Partnerships."
Al-Nashir Jamal, Chairman of
the Board, Ulkatcho Group of Companies
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $11,880,750 through the Green Infrastructure
Stream of the Investing in Canada
Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $2,376,150.The Ulkatcho First Nation is
contributing $818,300. And the
Community Energy Diesel Reduction grant, which is facilitated by
the BC New Relationship Trust, is contributing $765,800.
- The federal stream helps build greener communities by
contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse
gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.
- Including today's announcement, 117 infrastructure projects
under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in
British Columbia, with a total
federal contribution of more than $528.8
million and a total provincial contribution of over
$356.3 million.
- Under the Investing in Canada
Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit
projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and
transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements
related to consultation and environmental assessment
obligations.
Associated Links
Investing in Canada:
Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure
Plan
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
Green Infrastructure Stream
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada