Last year, provincial and federal governments joined forces to invest nearly $16 million into what is set to become the largest off-grid solar project in Canada.
This week, an additional $4.9M in federal funding was announced to further support the project, which includes the construction of new access roads and paths, control and monitoring of the new facility, fire management, security, signage, and other related assets.
The project is located at Anahim Lake, where the Ulkatcho First Nation currently relies solely on diesel generated power.
“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,” stated Tim Hodgson, 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.”
The federal government is investing $4,957,168 in this project through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program 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 while the Ulkatcho First Nation is contributing $818,300.
The Community Energy Diesel Reduction program and the 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.
“We are proud to be part of this important milestone, helping the Ulkatcho First Nation transition from diesel to sustainable solar energy,” remarked Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna. “This project underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting green energy initiatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing reconciliation.”
BC Hydro will be providing power to the region via the future 3.8-megawatt Anahim Lake Solar Farm after signing its first-ever Community Electricity Purchase Agreement with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation last April.
Through this agreement, BC Hydro will purchase solar energy generated at Anahim Lake Solar Farm for the next 20 years, helping reduce the BC Hydro’s use of diesel to power the community by nearly two-thirds.
“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,” stated Chris O’Riley, CEO of BC Hydro.
The Anahim Lake Solar Project is “truly a model of meaningful public-private-community partnerships for today’s much-needed resource development across Canada,” according to Al-Nashir Jamal, who serves as Chairman of the Board for the Ulkatcho Group of Companies.