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Saulteau First Nations sign agreement with BC Hydro

Writer's picture: T.W. BuckT.W. Buck

The Taylor Wind Project has moved forward once again, progressed by the signing of an electric-purchasing agreement with BC Hydro signed.

 

The Saulteau First Nations, in collaboration with EDF Renewables North America, has entered into an electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro to supply clean, renewable energy.

 This project addresses the growing power needs of homes and businesses across British Columbia according to their media release.

 

“The Taylor Wind project will generate clean energy that we urgently need, while providing jobs and long-term benefits to the Saulteau First Nations and the Peace River region,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “The completion of an electricity-purchase agreement for the project between the Saulteau First Nations, EDF Renewables and BC Hydro stands as testament to what we can do together when we build partnerships to increase First Nations’ participation in the clean-energy sector and advance economic reconciliation.”

 

Taylor Wind, situated in B.C.'s Peace River region between Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, will feature around 40 wind turbines, a substation, a high-voltage transmission line, and supporting infrastructure.

The project is expected to generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 60,000 homes.

The Saulteau First Nations entered into a partnership with EDF Renewables on the Taylor Wind Project, with the Saulteau First Nations holding a 51% economic stake in the project.

 

“Our investment in Taylor Wind will create jobs and economic development, while also respecting our Treaty and making wise use of our natural resources,” said Chief Rudy Paquette, Saulteau First Nations. “Together, we are proving that reconciliation means creating triple-win solutions that benefit everyone. This is the future and the future is bright.”

Taylor Wind represents a total investment of approximately $600 million, with a significant portion directed toward the local economy which includes critical development and construction activities.

The project is expected to create over 150 jobs during its development, construction, and operational phases

Taylor Wind is one of 10 clean-energy projects chosen to move forward under BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power, aiming to provide clean, affordable electricity to support B.C.’s expanding communities and housing needs.

 

“The electricity-purchase agreements we have signed with the Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables, and with other First Nations and development companies selected from our call for power, mark a historic step forward in energy partnership with First Nations. At BC Hydro, we are committed to advancing economic reconciliation as we expand our sources of generation and our electricity system to serve the growing needs of our customers in the clean economy,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO for BC Hydro.

 

Taylor Wind will engage with First Nations, local residents, communities, key government agencies, and stakeholders to gather input and ensure the project is well-supported. The goal is to meet the planned in-service date of 2031 while creating jobs and fostering economic opportunities throughout the process.

 

“Together with First Nations, and all British Columbians, we’re building a stronger B.C. through partnerships and agreements that create economic opportunities, generate clean energy, build affordable housing and create good jobs. The partnership between Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables on the Taylor Wind project supports increased First Nations’ participation in renewable-energy projects, which is the gateway to building a better clean-energy future for all,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

 

According to a media release, the 10 clean and renewable energy projects selected from BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power will produce approximately 5,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This is enough to power 500,000 new homes and will boost BC Hydro's electricity supply by 8%

 

The 10 projects selected from the call will feature approximately 50% First Nations equity ownership, amounting to as much as $3 billion in asset ownership by First Nations.

Electricity demand in B.C. is projected to grow by 15% or more by 2030 according to BC Hydro.

This demand is driven by population growth, housing construction, business and industrial expansion, increased transportation needs, and the transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity to lower emissions.

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