BC, feds fund First Nations clean energy projects

VANCOUVER – The federal and British Columbia governments are committing $9.8 million to clean energy projects for 35 First Nations across British Columbia

According to the release, the projects are receiving funding through the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the New Relationship Trust (NRT).

This round of BCICEI support includes $7.5 million from PacifiCan and Indigenous Services Canada and $2.3 million from the Government of British Columbia through the CleanBC Plan.

“First Nations are key partners as we work together to build cleaner, more resilient communities and power British Columbia’s growing economy with renewable energy. From rooftop photovoltaics to heat pumps for residential buildings and large-scale wind generators – the projects that will receive funding today will contribute to the development of clean energy for local people and create new opportunities throughout the province,” said Colombia’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation in a statement. British Josie Osborne.

To further support First Nations clean energy projects, the province, NRT and PacifiCan will soon begin work on the design of a new funding stream for BCICEI with First Nations participation, the release added.

The new stream will enable small renewable energy projects that, due to their size, are not eligible for BC Hydro’s energy invitation to continue to develop and contribute to the electricity grid. The new stream will be funded with $140 million, which was first announced in June 2023.

According to the release, detailed financing information will be available soon on the NRT website.