Latest news with #AnahimLakeSolarProject
Hamilton Spectator
17 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada's biggest off-grid solar project coming to B.C.'s Chilcotin
The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 11 as construction begins on the Anahim Lake Solar Project. Located at the western edge of B.C.'s Chilcotin, Ulkatcho First Nation will soon access solar generated power from Canada's largest off-grid solar project, expected to complete construction in October 2025. 100 per cent owned by UEC, a member of the nation's Ulkatcho Group of Companies (UGoC), the project is expected to reduce the use of diesel in the remote community by 64 per cent, about 1.1 million litres per year, and to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the region. 'This solar project in Anahim Lake marks a new path for the Ulkatcho First Nation, creating significant lasting environmental and economic benefits,' said Stephen James, CEO of the UGoC. 'We look forward to the future opportunities that this project will help create – and value the strong partnerships that we have developed with both the public and private sectors in this process.' UEC will be transforming the lands of an old sawmill site to construct the solar plant, which will include new access roads, a control and monitoring facility, site fire management, signage and security. 'We are giving our people a cleaner environment and preserving our lands through reducing green-house gas emissions on our Traditional Territory,' said Chief Charlie Williams in a June 11 press release about the ceremony, adding the project would have a positive impact on the community. 'The Ulkatcho First Nation is proud to be a leader in the future of green energy in British Columbia.' Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson said the project marks a major step forward in emission reduction. 'This is what bold, community-led action looks like. The Anahim Lake Solar Project — now Canada's largest off-grid solar initiative — marks a major step forward in reducing emissions, strengthening local economies and advancing economic reconciliation. With construction now underway, we're proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we're doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples,' Hodgson noted in a government news release. Once construction is complete, BC Hydro will purchase the energy produced by the plant and integrate it into its microgrid for the community to access. This is a first of its kind initiative in B.C., made possible by the signing of an April 2024 Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) between UEC and BC Hydro. 'Our collaboration with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation not only sets the foundation for future partnerships with First Nations across the province but also underscores BC Hydro's commitment to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives – ensuring reliable, sustainable power for generations to come,' said Chris O'Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro. In an April 2024 news release following the signing of CEPA, the Government of Canada said scientific studies and a business case determined solar power was the best solution for the community as it transitions to clean energy. At the time, a total of $15,841,000 was to be invested into the project by federal and provincial governments. 'This is what bold, community-led action looks like,' said Tim Hodgson, B.C. minister of energy and natural resources. 'With construction now underway, we're proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we're doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.' The Anahim Lake Solar Project is being supported through a blend of funding from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Natural Resource Canada's Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program, the Community Opportunity Readiness Program, the CleanBC Communities Fund, the New Relationship Trust through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction and BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative programs and through contributions by the UGoC and Ulkatcho First Nation. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Government of Canada Invests in Landmark Solar Project in Anahim Lake
ANAHIM LAKE, BC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada is pleased to announce an additional $4.9 million in funding to support the Anahim Lake Solar Project, bringing our total contribution to nearly $17 million. This new solar energy project will provide the Ulkatcho First Nation with access to a clean and renewable source of energy that is cheaper, safer and healthier than diesel power. Located in Anahim Lake, B.C., the project is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by about 64 percent — equal to a reduction of 1.1 million litres of diesel a year — making it one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. The project also includes the construction of new access roads and paths, together with investments in the control and monitoring of the new facility, fire management and security. This is how Canada becomes a clean energy superpower — by working with Indigenous partners, reducing emissions and investing in nation-building infrastructure that delivers economic and environmental results. Quotes "This is what bold, community-led action looks like. The Anahim Lake Solar Project — now Canada's largest off-grid solar initiative — marks a major step forward in reducing emissions, strengthening local economies and advancing economic reconciliation. With construction now underway, we're proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we're doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples." The Honourable Tim HodgsonMinister of Energy and Natural Resources "We are proud to be part of this important milestone, helping the Ulkatcho First Nation transition from diesel to sustainable solar energy. This project underscores the federal government's commitment to supporting green energy initiatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing reconciliation." The Honourable Stephen FuhrMember of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) "BC Hydro is driving renewable energy innovation in remote communities by bringing leading-edge technology into the Anahim Lake Station and investing in advanced battery storage and microgrid technology. Our collaboration with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation not only sets the foundation for future partnerships with First Nations across the province but also underscores BC Hydro's commitment to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives — ensuring reliable, sustainable power for generations to come." Chris O'RileyPresident and CEO, BC Hydro "As Canada strives toward 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 to play a critical role in ultimately displacing the use of diesel and generating clean electricity for the community. The Anahim Lake Solar Project is truly a model of meaningful public-private-community partnerships (PPCP) for today's much-needed resource development across Canada — with Multi-Inputs Area Development (MIAD) through blended financing." Al-Nashir JamalChairman of the Board, Ulkatcho Group of Companies Quick Facts The federal government is investing $4,957,168 in this project through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program (CERRC) and $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 program and B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which are administered by the BC New Relationship Trust and funded by the federal and B.C. governments, are contributing $1,765,800 and $290,740 respectively. The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy demonstration, deployment and capacity-building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable technologies. Associated Links Ulkatcho First Nation to house largest off-grid solar project in Canada Ulkatcho First Nation BC Hydro - Anahim Lake Station Upgrade 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative Green Infrastructure Stream Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada Invests in Landmark Solar Project in Anahim Lake
, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada is pleased to announce an additional $4.9 million in funding to support the Anahim Lake Solar Project, bringing our total contribution to nearly $17 million. This new solar energy project will provide the Ulkatcho First Nation with access to a clean and renewable source of energy that is cheaper, safer and healthier than diesel power. Located in Anahim Lake, B.C., the project is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by about 64 percent — equal to a reduction of 1.1 million litres of diesel a year — making it one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. The project also includes the construction of new access roads and paths, together with investments in the control and monitoring of the new facility, fire management and security. This is how Canada becomes a clean energy superpower — by working with Indigenous partners, reducing emissions and investing in nation-building infrastructure that delivers economic and environmental results. Quotes " This is what bold, community-led action looks like. The Anahim Lake Solar Project — now Canada's largest off-grid solar initiative — marks a major step forward in reducing emissions, strengthening local economies and advancing economic reconciliation. With construction now underway, we're proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we're doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples." The Honourable Tim Hodgson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "We are proud to be part of this important milestone, helping the Ulkatcho First Nation transition from diesel to sustainable solar energy. This project underscores the federal government's commitment to supporting green energy initiatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing reconciliation." The Honourable Stephen Fuhr Member of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) "BC Hydro is driving renewable energy innovation in remote communities by bringing leading-edge technology into the Anahim Lake Station and investing in advanced battery storage and microgrid technology. Our collaboration with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation not only sets the foundation for future partnerships with First Nations across the province but also underscores BC Hydro's commitment to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives — ensuring reliable, sustainable power for generations to come." Chris O'Riley President and CEO, BC Hydro "As Canada strives toward 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 to play a critical role in ultimately displacing the use of diesel and generating clean electricity for the community. The Anahim Lake Solar Project is truly a model of meaningful public-private-community partnerships (PPCP) for today's much-needed resource development across Canada — with Multi-Inputs Area Development (MIAD) through blended financing." Al-Nashir Jamal Chairman of the Board, Ulkatcho Group of Companies Quick Facts The federal government is investing $4,957,168 in this project through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program (CERRC) and $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 program and B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which are administered by the BC New Relationship Trust and funded by the federal and B.C. governments, are contributing $1,765,800 and $290,740 respectively. The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy demonstration, deployment and capacity-building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.
