CALGARY,
AB, Dec. 1, 2022 /CNW/ - ATCO Electric Yukon
(ATCO), a subsidiary of Canadian Utilities, and Copper Niisüü
Limited Partnership (CNLP), have finalized a landmark Electricity
Purchase Agreement (EPA) that will help the White River First
Nation (WRFN) reduce their reliance on diesel power, achieve
greater energy autonomy, and generate economic benefits for the
next 30 years.
Under the agreement, CNLP will build, own and operate the
Beaver Creek solar facility,
designed to be the largest penetration solar project in the
Yukon Territory – a measure of how
much power generated by current means is being replaced by solar
electricity. In this project's case, solar power will replace more
than 55% of the diesel generation in the community. The
1.9-megawatt (MW) facility will cut in half the amount of diesel
needed for electricity generation in the community, a reduction of
approximately 325,000 litres/year, and will reduce CO2
emissions by 1,100 tonnes annually.
ATCO will provide technical expertise throughout the duration of
the project to ensure seamless integration to the Beaver Creek microgrid and will manage the
installation of equipment that helps connect solar equipment to
ATCO's existing systems. Once construction is completed, CNLP will
serve as the Independent Power Producer, owning and operating the
solar facility. ATCO will purchase the solar electricity generated,
connect it to the grid and redistribute it back to the community.
The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2024.
"We are excited about this project. It shows
how a small First Nation community can overcome challenges to lead
the way. In addition to reducing noise and pollution in our
community, the project will also be a source of revenue for decades
and will provide employment for citizens and the
community at large. It highlights what is possible when a
small group of dedicated people have the right support.
First Nations have always been and will be stewards of the
environment, this work builds on the foundation of strength and
self-sufficiency of our ancestors.
We thank ATCO,
the territorial and federal governments for believing in the White
River Team and supporting this
project."
-
John Vandermeer, President,
WRDC
"Accelerating the clean energy transition in
remote Northern communities requires a bold and collaborative
approach. Using a foundation of trust, equity and mutual respect,
our team is pioneering innovative and sustainable solutions that
reduce reliance on diesel and create local economic benefits
through community
ownership."
-
Jay Massie, Vice President,
Northern Development & Indigenous Relations,
ATCO
Quick Facts
Once fully operational, the Beaver Creek
Solar Project will:
- Generate more than 1,000 MWh/year of solar electricity
- Reduce diesel consumption for electricity generation by about
325,000 litres/year (55 per cent of current volumes)
- Reduce 1,100 tonnes of CO2e annually
- Enable the diesel plant to be turned off about 60% of the time,
more than 5,200 hours per year
- Consist of 1.9 megawatts (MW) DC of solar panels (more than
4000 panels), and 1.2 MW AC of inverters, and 3.5 MWh of battery
energy storage
About Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership
CNLP is the
business operations entity of the White River Development
Corporation (WRDC). CNLP sources, develops and manages business
activities and partnerships that provide growth opportunities for
the WRDC. CNLP, on behalf of WRDC establishes joint venture
partnerships and other entrepreneurial activities with businesses
wishing to pursue their interests in the asserted Traditional
Territory of the White River First Nation. Business ventures
primarily focus on the areas of Renewable Energy, Industry
Services, Rental Services and Tourism which show the greatest
promise for sustainable business ventures for the WRDC, the people
of the WRFN and the Yukon
Territory.
About ATCO Electric Yukon
Through its investment
in ATCO Yukon Electrical Company Limited, ATCO
has been proudly serving electricity distribution customers
in the Yukon Territory since 1901.
Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, ATCO Electric
Yukon serves more than 19,000
customers in 19 communities across the territory. ATCO
Electric Yukon is held by
Canadian Utilities Limited, an ATCO company. More
information can be found at
www.canadianutilities.com.
Media Contact
ATCO:
Erin MacDonald
Senior Marketing & Communications Advisor
ATCO Electric Yukon
867-687-3517
erin.macdonald@atco.com
CNLP:
John
Vandermeer
President
Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership on behalf of White River
Development Corporation
867-332-1400
presidentwrdc@gmail.com
Forward-Looking Information Advisory
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute
forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often,
but not always, identified by the use of words such as "expect",
"may", "will", and similar expressions. This news release
includes forward-looking information about the timing for the
completion/operations of, and impact and future benefits from the
EPA and Beaver Creek Solar Project, including the electricity
generation and battery storage capacity from the project, and
reduced diesel consumption and carbon emissions as a result of the
project.
Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or
events to differ materially from those anticipated in such
forward-looking information. The expectations reflected in the
forward-looking information are considered to be reasonable, but no
assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be
correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly
relied upon. Forward-looking information contained in this news
release represents expectations as of the date hereof, and is
subject to change after such date.
SOURCE ATCO Ltd.