Canada, British Columbia supports First Nations with new clean energy projects

Thirty-five First Nations across British Columbia are receiving $9.8 million in federal and provincial funding to develop clean energy projects that will help them meet their energy needs efficiently and sustainably, while creating more jobs for people in their communities.

On the North Island, Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation will receive $500,000 to install a 550 kWh photovoltaic and battery energy storage system at Echo Bay Marina and Cottage to replace two diesel generators, Kwakiutl First Nation will receive $300,000 to heat pump retrofit project that will replace traditional heating systems with air source heat pumps in approximately 40 homes, while ‘Namgis First Nation will receive $300,000 to install heat pumps in 52 homes, resulting in a multi-phase project totaling 115 homes, and Quatsino First Nation will receive $300 $000 for a 100 kW photovoltaic system and a 13 kWh battery storage system for a First Nation community center.

“The launch of this new funding stream for small renewable energy projects is a testament to our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development,” said North Island MLA Michele Babchuk. “With over $1.6 million in funding supporting projects across the North Island, this initiative will enable more First Nations to contribute to the energy grid, ensuring that even the smallest projects can make a big impact on the community and the environment.”

“First Nations are key partners as we work together to build cleaner, more resilient communities and power BC’s growing economy with renewable energy,” said Josie Osborne, BC Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “From rooftop solar to residential heat pumps and large-scale wind energy generation, the projects receiving funding today will advance homegrown clean energy and create new opportunities across the province.”

The projects receive 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. The funding will help First Nations develop and implement clean energy generation, energy efficiency and energy storage projects, creating jobs and economic opportunities in their communities.

“The New Relationship Trust aims to strengthen First Nations’ clean energy leadership across British Columbia. These projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions, drive economic growth and advance the well-being of urban and rural Indigenous communities across the province,” said Walter Schneider, CEO of NRT . “The BC Clean Energy Initiative stands out as a distinctive funding program led by Indigenous leaders and supporting collaboration across sectors, from government to industry to First Nations organizations.”

Clean energy projects vary in size and scope, and 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. This will allow small renewable energy projects that, due to their size, are not eligible for BC Hydro’s power purchase invitation to continue operating and contribute to the power grid. The new transmission will be funded with $140 million in funding, first announced in June 2023. The design process will begin with an engagement period to gather ideas from interested First Nations.

BCICEI is funded in part by Pacific Economic Development Canada through the Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI), a unique federal program administered by Indigenous Services Canada and made available by a growing network of over 20 federal partners. Its innovative, whole-of-government approach helps advance Indigenous inclusion in large, complex economic development opportunities that span a range of industry sectors across Canada. SPI bridges funding gaps that create barriers to Indigenous engagement in economic opportunities. It also promotes partnerships between federal and non-federal groups to leverage additional funding and support for economic development opportunities.

“The transition to clean energy sources is critical to Canada’s economic future, and Indigenous peoples have a significant role to play in that future,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

Sajjan added that PacifiCan was proud to establish BCICEI in partnership with “Indigenous leaders, industry and the province and has already supported 139 Indigenous clean energy projects and created high-quality jobs and training opportunities in First Nations communities across British Columbia.”

Patty Hajdu, Canada’s federal minister of Indigenous Services, said the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative is a “First Nation-led solution that will create good-paying jobs for the community. The renewable energy sector is growing around the world, and this initiative will ensure that British Columbia’s indigenous peoples have the opportunity to benefit from this growth. Not only will this help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will only help build an economy that is fair for all.”

Since its launch in 2016, BCICEI has funded over 135 projects with approximately $30 million.

In addition to a new stream of small-scale projects expected to contribute to the energy grid, BCICEI is expanding its funding to include community-based clean energy planning projects.