The first major commercial solar facility in British Columbia is now operational.
The quA-ymn Solar Project, situated 50 kilometres southwest of Kamloops in Logan Lake, spans nearly 40,000 panels, making it the province’s largest solar installation to date.
These panels are positioned to produce power for 2,400 homes for up to 40 years, according to a statement from shQUAQUash Energy, an entity created for the project.
“The quA-ymn Solar Project is beneficial to the Nlaka’pamux in myriad ways and confirms that the disciplined and principled approach of the NNTC best protects and advances Nlaka’pamux title and rights,” stated Chief Matt Pasco, Chair of the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council.
The project, completed on schedule and within budget, was in development since 2011.
Progress accelerated after The Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council established a partnership with Calgary’s BluEarth Renewables, an independent power producer that acquires, builds, and operates various facilities across Canada and the US.
“We are proud to have been invited to partner with shQUAQUash Energy and of what we have accomplished together with this facility,” commented Grant Arnold, chief executive officer of BluEarth Renewables.
“We worked closely with the Nation through every stage of development, sharing the risks and cost of our joint venture, and now we are partnered to provide ongoing, long-term economic benefits to the region,” the CEO added.
The 60-acre utility site is slated to “provide predictable funds over a long time period,” according to Pasco, which he says “allows Nlaka’pamux to develop long-term plans.”
Development of the project was financed by the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Edmonton’s SunRise Building is another recent example of headline-making solar installations.