MLA Michele Babchuk says funding will support Indigenous-led clean energy projects        

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MLA Michele Babchuk says funding will support Indigenous-led clean energy projects        

ALERT BAY – New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says local First Nations will be better able to meet their energy needs with funding for clean energy projects.

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

On the North Island, five projects are receiving funding:

  • Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Haxwa’mis First Nation (KHFN)
    • $500,000 towards the installation of a solar PV system and a 550kWh battery energy storage system on the Echo Bay Marina and Lodge, replacing two diesel generators.
  • Kwakiutl First Nation
    • $300,000 towards a Heat Pump Retrofit Project that will replace traditional heating systems with air-source heat pumps for approximately 40 homes.
  • Kwiakah First Nation
    • $235,665 towards a rooftop solar PV system on a redeveloped former fish farm that was 100% diesel dependent.
  • Namgis First Nation
    • $300,000 towards the installation of heat pumps in 52 homes, bringing the multi-phase project total to 115 homes.
  •  Quatsino First Nation
    • $300,000 towards a 100kW solar PV system and 13kWh battery storage system for the Nation’s community hall.

Throughout B.C., 35 First Nations are receiving funding through the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), a partnership between the provincial and federal governments and the New Relationship Trust (NRT). Since 2016, the Initiative has supported over 135 projects with approximately $30 million.

Projects funded through this program include clean energy generation, energy efficiency and energy storage, helping First Nations to meet their energy needs and prepare for future needs while creating more jobs for people in their communities.