Clean, affordable energy in sight

A small storage, run-of-river hydro facility that will create economic opportunities and help a coastal First Nation get off diesel is one of 11 new projects supported by B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund. More than $610,000 will go to 11 First Nations communities across B.C. For the Gitga’at First Nation, equity funding of $250,000 will support construction and operation of hydroelectric works that will replace diesel power with clean and reliable power and create economic opportunities for the community by selling the power to BC Hydro for resale to the community of Hartley Bay. In the past year, B.C. has supported 41 projects in communities around the province, ranging from job training, joint ventures with industry and exploring ways for Aboriginal communities to participate in clean and renewable energy opportunities. By providing funding for equity and capacity-building and feasibility/development projects, the fund benefits First Nations and non-First Nation communities alike, as well as building economic independence for First Nations. Four communities will receive $30,000 each for community energy planning, to study their current energy sources and consumption, and assess clean energy alternatives for use in the future. Six communities will receive $40,000 each for feasibility studies and development work across a range of projects, including a wind power project that would be the first wind farm in B.C. owned and operated by First Nations. The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund was created in 2010 to support First Nations and new power projects. B.C. contributed an initial $5 million. A percentage of land and water rentals generated by eligible projects will be returned to the fund with the goal of the fund being completely self-revenue generating in the future.