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    Two Canadian First Nations Sign Long-Term Wind Power Purchase Deals with BC Hydro

    Jan. 2, 2025
    Under the deal, BC Hydro is committed to paying for the wind energy it is interconnecting into the regional British Columbia grid. Both First Nation power purchase deals are 30 year agreements, creating steady cash flow from commercial operations.
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    6776c21881091f0940476c84 Wind Farm Dreamtime

    Two First Nation tribes in Canada which are working with developer Innergex Renewable Energy are also creating revenue opportunities through long-term clean energy power supply deals with British Columbia utility BC Hydro on wind power projects developed within the native properties.

    Westbank First Nation (WFN) and Innergex announced their electricity deal with BC Hydro directly tied to the 160-MW K2 Wind Project. Meanwhile, Stellat'en First Nation and Innergex also are giving BC Hydro access to energy from the 200-MW Nithi Mountain wind project.

    Under the deal, BC Hydro is committed to paying for the wind energy it is interconnecting into the regional British Columbia grid. Both First Nation power purchase deals are 30 year agreements, creating steady cash flow from commercial operations within the native communities.

    "Westbank First Nation is proud to have been awarded an Electricity Purchase Agreement alongside Innergex for the proposed K2 Wind Energy Project," said Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie. "This project demonstrates the power of collaboration and our dedication to leaving a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. We look forward to engaging with our Membership as we move toward finalizing this transformative opportunity."

    As per WFN's Constitution, a Membership Referendum with a positive outcome is required for WFN to fully sign on and become a partner on the project. This democratic process ensures that all WFN Members have an opportunity to voice their perspectives and collectively guide WFN's path forward.

    "We thank Westbank First Nation for their interest and collaboration on the K2 Wind Project," said Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex. "We are proud to collaborate with Westbank First Nation to bring more clean energy to the region, while respecting the land and values of the community. Our partnerships with Indigenous communities are at the heart of our approach to renewable energy development, reinforcing our commitment to projects that honour Indigenous values and contribute to long-term economic, environmental, and social progress. This milestone reflects the strength of our development portfolio, and our shared commitment to advancing British Columbia's energy transition. Expanding our Canadian wind portfolio through projects like K2 demonstrates our focus on disciplined growth, fostering regional sustainability, and creating value for all stakeholders."

    The K2 Wind Project is being developed in close collaboration with the respective syilx/Okanagan Nations in the area. Guided by collaborative land-use planning, the project integrates cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment for Indigenous communities in the Pennask Mountain area.

    The project is expected to create approximately 130 job opportunities locally during development, construction, and operation phases, supporting local economic growth and workforce development, while respecting traditional ecological knowledge and cultural values.

    For the Stellat’en First Nation, the milestone PPA marks a significant step forward in advancing sustainable energy solutions while fostering collaboration and creating long-term social and economic benefits for the Bulkley-Nechako region in British Columbia, the partners say.

    "We have been governing our territory in accordance with the Yinka Dene legal tradition for a millennium," said Stellat'en Chief Robert Michell. "The Nithi Mountain Wind Project is anchored by the Yinka Dene's core values and beliefs. Collaborations like this showcase to the world how the Yinka Dene can participate competitively and meaningfully. At the same time, strengthening our cultural values and environmental stewardship objectives while boosting the province's GDP."

    The Nithi Mountain wind project is being developed in close collaboration with First Nations in the area. Guided by collaborative land-use planning, the project integrates cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment for Indigenous communities in the Bulkley-Nechako region.

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    "We thank Stellat'en First Nation for their trust and collaboration on the Nithi Mountain Wind Project," said Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex. "Partnering with the Stellat'en First Nation, we are proud to advance a project that delivers lasting economic and environmental benefits to the region and honouring the land and values of the Yinka Dene people. This milestone reflects the strength of our development portfolio, and our shared commitment to advancing British Columbia's energy transition. Expanding our Canadian wind portfolio through projects like Nithi Mountain demonstrates our focus on disciplined growth, fostering regional sustainability, and creating value for all stakeholders."

    The project is expected to create approximately 150 job opportunities during development, construction, and operation phases, supporting local economic growth and workforce development.