Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council and BluEarth Renewables Reach Financial Close on quA-ymn Solar with Canada Infrastructure Bank
November 12, 2024
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) and BluEarth Renewables (BluEarth) have achieved financial close on a $35 million loan towards quA-ymn Solar. The project will be located on reclaimed land in the Highland Valley Copper Mine, southwest of Kamloops, British Columbia.
quA-ymn Solar is a partnership between the member communities of the NNTC and BluEarth.
Together, 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 both Nlaka’pamux communities and the province’s grid.
Securing a loan from the CIB was foundational to advancing the project for the NNTC and member communities. Exercising the economic component of title is key to financial independence which in turn is foundational to the exercise of jurisdiction and will have a positive impact for generations.
Currently under construction, quA-ymn Solar will provide approximately 100 jobs at peak construction and full-time employment opportunities to support operations.
Through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII), the CIB is investing in projects which provide a service or a direct benefit to Indigenous communities. This project represents the CIB’s first ICII clean power loan to reach financial close in British Columbia.
The CIB will continue to collaborate with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities on infrastructure projects in partnership with, and for the benefit of Indigenous communities across Canada.
