The added capacity from 38,000 fixed-tilt solar photovoltaic panels will supply enough renewable energy to power more than 2,000 homes annually, for Nlaka’pamux communities and the provincial. grid.
KAMLOOPS – BluEarth Renewables and the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) have achieved financial close on a $35 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) towards quA-ymn Solar, a 15-megawatt facility on reclaimed land in Highland Valley Copper Mine southwest of Kamloops.
They will construct and operate a 15-megawatt solar facility which will connect into BC Hydro‘s energy grid. The added capacity from 38,000 fixed-tilt solar photovoltaic panels will supply enough renewable energy to power more than 2,000 homes annually, for Nlaka’pamux communities and the provincial. grid.
quA-ymn Solar is currently under construction and will provide approximately 100 jobs at peak, as well as full-time employment opportunities to support operations. The funding comes through CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, and is their first clean power loan to reach financial close in B.C.
BluEarth President and CEO Grant Arnold says “We are proud to reach this important milestone with NNTC and the CIB, as we begin construction on the quA-ymn Solar Project. BluEarth is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the NNTC in the development and operation of the Project, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on this and other opportunities.”
BluEarth began in 2010 and has its headquarters in Calgary, with offices in North Vancouver, Guelph and Phoenix, Arizona. They have projects throughout North America.
NNTC Chief Matt Pasco states “This is an important Project for the NNTC and our member Communities and confirms for us that the disciplined and principled approach the NNTC has taken best protects Nlaka’pamux title and rights. We are sending a clear message together that after years of hard work in developing new, creative, recognition-based approaches to land and resource development, combined with deep and respectful relationships, that these are the foundations for how we make decisions together throughout the Nlaka’pamux homeland.”
Ehren Cory, CIB CEO, adds “quA-ymn Solar demonstrates the NNTC’s resilience and dedication to addressing the interconnection between Indigenous rights and resources which will have long-term, positive impacts for their communities. The CIB is proud to help advance this project, which will support economic reconciliation, provide stable revenue streams for the communities, opportunities for training and development and support Indigenous leadership in clean energy.”
Business Examiner Staff