Federal funding for FNPA project development

The FIrst Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan Inc. has received $300,000 from Western Economic Diversification to develop, demonstrate and commercialize innovative and economically viable off-grid, renewable power generation. Federal funding will be used to purchase equipment for small-scale demonstration projects, including solar photovoltaic technology, waste heat recovery, solar and microgrid systems, and a grid support initiative for regions that experience higher than average power outages. FNPA will partner with multiple First Nations and private industry to develop new technologies for reliable energy sources that will improve business productivity and support community sustainability in remote areas. One such project is a solar-powered generating station in southern Saskatchewan and involves the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council. FNPA, a not-for-profit funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s Strategic Partnership Initiative and in part by membership fees from First Nations and industry, was created to develop First Nations-led projects in Saskatchewan’s power industry, providing First Nations’ members with financial returns, expertise, employment and business opportunities.