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BC HydroCommercial SolarEnergy EconomicsMicro-Grid
October 7, 2024by powermyhome0 Comments

First Nation-backed Vanderhoof solar farm proposed for BC Hydro Call for Power

Saik’uz First Nation is collaborating with Armstrong-based Energy Economics to sell power into the provincial grid
Binny Paul

 

solar-panels
Solar panels in Vernon, B.C. Armstrong-based Energy Economics is partnering with Saik’uz First Nation to launch a solar farm near Vanderhoof. Energy Economics/ Facebook
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Twenty-one First Nation-backed projects have submitted proposals to BC Hydro as part of its 2024 Call for Power initiative, aimed at addressing the growing electricity demand driven by increased electrification efforts. https://www.bpmcdn.com/files/texttospeech/7556765-6c63f8aa-ccda-429b-9e6e-0f1c7b382006.mp3

Several of these proposed renewable energy projects are located in northern B.C. They include solar initiatives in Vanderhoof and Quesnel, as well as, wind projects in Fraser Lake, Prince George, Iskut and Fort St. John, and a hydro project in Stewart among others.

Near Vanderhoof, Saik’uz First Nation is partnering with Armstrong, B.C.-based Energy Economics to launch the ‘Sazul Nahuyutsa’ solar farm project, aiming to produce energy for sale to BC Hydro.

‘Sazul Nahuyutsa’ (meaning “they store the heat of the sun” in Saik’uz Hubughunek), will feature a 61-megawatt (MW) solar farm with approximately 96,000 solar panels across 350 acres, Energy Economics announced on Sept. 24.

The project proposal has been submitted to BC Hydro which will select and approve bids by the end of this year, said Energy Economics spokesperson Jim Jacobsen.

BC Hyrdo rolled out its 2024 Call for Power after it recognized the electrification demands of the province to meet zero-carbon goals exceeded the Crown utility’s peak capacity as highlighted in its 2021 Integrated Resource Plan.

In Northern B.C., there is a significant growth in sectors such as ports, mining, hydrogen, technology, and liquefied natural gas, with industry stakeholders increasingly interested in using clean electricity.

So in April 2024, BC Hydro announced this call for power to secure clean and renewable energy, identifying a need for about 3,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year of additional energy by late fall 2028.

The requirements for the energy producers/projects are that they must be cost-effective clean energy initiatives capable of starting by fall 2028 and involve partnerships with First Nations.

By September 16, BC Hydro announced it had received 21 project proposals offering over 9,000 GWh per year of renewable electricity.

Jim Jacobsen stated the goal of their Vanderhoof solar-farm project is to secure a long-term electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro, which would provide stable revenues for the next 30 years.

The project’s construction timeline is contingent on BC Hydro’s selection process. Proposals will be reviewed until December, with potential construction beginning in approximately two years if approved, Jacobsen said.  If not selected, the project could still proceed, but at a slower pace.

According to Jacobsen, BC Hydro’s call for power marks the first opportunity for independent power producers in 15 years after it identified the need for an additional 227,000 homes worth of power in the province.

Instead of building a major new hydroelectric dam such as Site C (which cost $16 billion), BC Hydro issued the call for power to independent producers that can provide the required power without the high upfront costs of building new large-scale generation infrastructure, Jacobsen explained.

The collaboration with Saik’uz First Nation was initiated when BC Hydro identified preferred power generation areas, including the Bulkley-Nechako region. Energy Economics reached out to Saik’uz to explore interest due to prior collaborations.

The call for power requires a minimum of 25 per cent First Nations equity, making this collaboration a strategic fit, Jacobsen said.

Once operational, the solar farm is expected to supply clean energy to about 6,000 homes and businesses, supporting local net-zero goals. The project is also anticipated to create job opportunities and promote educational and cultural initiatives during its construction, benefiting both Saik’uz and neighbouring communities.

Saik’uz First Nation will retain majority ownership of the solar farm and has the option to acquire full ownership, allowing for strategic decisions regarding the Nation’s economic future.

An exclusive presentation for Saik’uz members was held on September 12 at the community’s gathering place, featuring drumming, singing, and a public engagement session.

Saik’uz Nation Chief Priscilla Mueller said the community has been really receptive to the project.

“With recent mill closures in the area, this is an opportunity that will help our communities and the communities around us while creating minimal impacts to the land, ” Mueller said.

Link Source: https://www.ominecaexpress.com/local-news/first-nation-backed-vanderhoof-solar-farm-proposed-for-bc-hydro-call-for-power-7556765

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BC HydroelectricityMicro-GridOff-Grid
August 9, 2024by powermyhome0 Comments

BC Hydro – British Columbians can save up to $10,000 on eligible solar panels and battery storage

Source:
ENP Newswire

VANCOUVER- New BC Hydro rebates are now available of up to$5,000on eligible grid-connected solar panels and up to an additional$5,000for battery storage systems to qualifying residential customers.

These rebates will make it easier for British Columbians to generate their own power, reduce their bills and deliver clean energy back to the province’s electricity grid.

‘We need more clean energy to power our homes, businesses and industries, to power a growing economy and to power our future,’ saidJosie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. ‘British Columbians are up for the challenge. That’s why we are providing new BC Hydro rebates for rooftop solar panels and battery storage so that more people across the province can generate electricity, save on their energy bills and help build a clean economy.’

About 9,500 British Columbians are already part of BC Hydro’s Self-Generation Program (previously net metering), harnessing the power of the sun to generate their own renewable energy, which is a good option for those looking to gain energy independence and lower their electricity bills. Battery storage allows customers to store their excess renewable energy to power their homes on cloudy days, overnight or in the event of a power outage. Residents can install solar panels or a battery – or both – to maximize the value of their project and their rebate.

To be eligible for rebates, customers must participate in our Self-Generation Program and enrol in the Self-Generation Rate. Any excess generation will be credited to them on the next bill, and this power can be used to serve other customers and businesses. If customers still have generation credits on their anniversary date (March 1), BC Hydro will pay them for the excess electricity at market price.

‘BC Hydro is committed to supporting the energy transition as British Columbians look to power homes and businesses with more clean electricity,’ saidChris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. ‘We are excited for the first time ever to offer rebates for eligible solar panels and battery storage systems, allowing our customers to lower their energy bills, generate their own renewable electricity and store excess energy to use when and how they want. Adding more renewable generation and storage options also helps the overall electricity system by reducing demand from the grid.’

BC Hydro is also offering targeted rebates to schools, apartment buildings, municipal government and community centres, small businesses, social housing providers and Indigenous communities. These rebates range from up to$50,000to$150,000based on the individual customer.

These rebates are one of many actions BC Hydro is taking to support its customers and provide more choices in its new Energy Efficiency Plan – a key action to meet the growing demand for electricity. Over the next three years, BC Hydro is investing over$700 millionin tools, technology and programs for customers to encourage more energy efficient choices. This is a 60 per cent increase over previous budgets and adds up to about 2,000 gigawatt hours of savings, which is the equivalent of powering 200,000 homes. As more people look to switch from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable sources of power, these programs will help BC Hydro’s customers save more than$80 million, deferring the need for additional capital infrastructure and offering added flexibility to the BC Hydro system.

Contact:

Tel: 604 928 6468

Email:[email protected]

Link: https://energycentral.com/news/bc-hydro-british-columbians-can-save-10000-eligible-solar-panels-and-battery-storage

To book your next assessment to find out if you’re eligible Click Here

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Off-GridElectric GridinnovationMicro-Grid
April 24, 2024by powermyhome0 Comments

Solar farm in B.C. – country’s largest off-grid solar farm

Link to Post Here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ulkatcho-first-nation-anahim-lake-solar-farm-bc-1.7180682

 

Anahim Lake project, said to be country’s largest off-grid solar farm, will greatly reduce reliance on diesel

CBC News · 

Ulkatcho First Nation set to build largest off-grid solar power farm in Canada

2 days ago

Duration3:23

A First Nation in Central B.C. is one step closer to having sustainable and clean energy. The Ulkatcho First Nation is set to build the largest off-grid solar power farm in Canada. CBC’s Janella Hamilton travelled to Anahim Lake to learn more about what the project means to the community.

A First Nation in central British Columbia says it will take a step toward “energy sovereignty” when it builds what officials say will be the largest off-grid solar farm in Canada.

Around 1,500 residents of Anahim Lake, home of the Ulkatcho First Nation, and surrounding small communities currently rely entirely on costly diesel for power.

“If we run out of diesel, then the lights go out. That’s it,” said Ulkatcho Elder Mary Williams.

But once built, the solar farm spanning about 12 hectares (30 acres) will supply up to 70 per cent of the electricity the communities need, according to Chief Lynda Price and B.C. Hydro.

“We believe that solar energy will be the source of our ability, for a lot of our families, to live off the grid,” Price told CBC News on Friday from Anahim Lake, which lies around 380 kilometres northwest of Vancouver in B.C.’s Chilcotin region.

“We’re really excited that this is the first stage of our solar power, and I believe our future generations will benefit.”

An empty field.
The solar farm will be built at the site of a former sawmill in Anahim Lake, and its construction and operation will employ many community members, including those who work at the diesel generator, according to B.C. Hydro CEO Chris O’Riley. (CBC News)

On Friday, the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC), which owns the project, signed a historic 20-year agreement with B.C. Hydro, promising that the public utility will purchase the energy created by the solar farm and integrate it into power lines and a storage system to serve the community.

The $30-million project — which is receiving $16 million in provincial and federal funding — is expected to produce enough electricity to power about 350 of the area’s 5,000 homes, according to B.C. Hydro.

That transition will reduce the community’s reliance on diesel by approximately 1.1 million litres — equivalent to approximately 3,300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions — per year, B.C. Hydro CEO Chris O’Riley told CBC at the signing ceremony.

The provincial government has currently committed to reducing reliance on diesel for power by 80 per cent by 2030, and B.C. Hydro says Anahim Lake is one of 44 communities still dependent on the fuel.

“It’s important for people to understand how important this project is as part of our larger climate goals, as part of our reconciliation goals with First Nations,” O’Riley said. “And it really is a beacon for others.”

Security, self-determination

Ulkatcho First Nation elected councillor Corrine Cahoose says the solar farm is an important step for the nation’s economic, environmental and cultural self-determination.

“Our people are very resilient in our nation. We lived through all the colonization and the contact and smallpox and the residential schools, the missionaries,” said Cahoose.

An older woman smiles in a parking lot.
Corrine Cahoose, an Ulkatcho First Nation elected councillor, says the project is important from a practical perspective, but also for the nation’s economic, environmental and cultural self-determination. (CBC News)

“We’re all the knowledge keepers of the land. We know every mountain, we know every tree, we know every metal, we know all the animals, we know where they hang out,” she added.

“We have to be the stewards of that land. We have to protect in every way, and this project is one of the ways.”

Anahim Lake community members and experts say the transition to clean energy is also a practical decision.

Wildfires and icy roads often cause power outages, preventing truckloads of diesel from making it to the remote community before generators run out.

“On the whole, there’s very little drawback to actually putting in place these sorts of projects that again just add energy security and reduce costs for off-grid communities,” said Evan Pivnick, with Clean Energy Canada.

Construction at the site of the First Nation’s former sawmill is set to begin by August and the solar farm is projected to be operational by October 2025, according to the UEC.

The UEC, which is owned by the nation’s economic development corporation, will also feed revenue from the sale of solar power to B.C. Hydro into services, infrastructure, education and housing on the First Nation, according to Price and Cahoose.

“The revenue that’s going to come from this project will ensure that we continue to build a healthy future for our children,” said Cahoose.

WATCH | B.C. encourages First Nations to pitch new energy projects to meet growing demand: 

B.C. Hydro seeks pitches from operators for additional electricity supply

21 days ago

Duration2:08

Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Clean Energy B.C. board chair, tells BC Today host Michelle Eliot that B.C. Hydro is looking to acquire 3,000 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, which would add five per cent to its current supply.

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