FNPA, SaskPower sign up for opportunities

The First Nations Power Authority signed a new master agreement with SaskPower on March 1. The agreement defines a process for establishing a number of independent power generation opportunities for First Nations with SaskPower. “This is a giant step forward in creating economic development opportunities for First Nations people. It will provide tremendous benefits not only for First Nations but for everyone in Saskatchewan,” said FNPA Chair Ben Voss in a news release. FNPA is a not-for-profit entity with a mandate to facilitate the development of First Nations-led power generation projects with SaskPower. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada provided $1.39 million in funding for the creation and development of FNPA. In addition to the master agreement, SaskPower and FNPA are in discussions to explore additional projects and agreements that could result in further economic development opportunities for First Nations over the life of the agreement, such as the Meadow Lake Bioenergy Centre, a $150-million 36-MW biomass facility located in Meadow Lake. FNPA and SaskPower have also signed a three-year funding agreement under which SaskPower will provide $100,000 per year to FNPA with the option to renew for another two years by mutual agreement.