Federal Government Invests in 7 Clean Energy Projects in BC
The federal government has announced an investment of more than $4.5 million through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy solutions in British Columbia.
This investment will advance projects that:
- Generate clean electricity, fuel and heat from water, biomass, solar and other renewable sources, reducing diesel use, creating revenue and strengthening energy reliability and affordability in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
- Provide training for communities to plan, build and operate their own clean energy systems, creating local jobs, building skills and supporting long-term energy independence.
- Lower financial and market risks, accelerating project readiness and private sector investment.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy projects. Through meaningful partnership and community-driven economic opportunity, and by choosing forms of energy that harness clean, locally available resources, communities can build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples are leading the way in building an equitable and prosperous future through clean energy solutions. As we advance our efforts to become a clean energy superpower, the federal government is working with Indigenous Peoples to support economic reconciliation, self-determination and affordable, secure and clean energy for communities across the country. Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced an investment of more than $4.5 million to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions in British Columbia, under the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program.
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada.
Projects:
Padakus Hydropower Project
Recipient: Dzawada’enuxw First Nation
Location: 2.3 km west of Gwa’yi village, Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia
Funding amount: $1,100,000
The project deployed a 350-kW run-of-river hydropower system 2.3 kilometres west of the Gwa’yi village in Kingcome Inlet, which is expected to reduce 739.9 tCO₂e of GHG emissions per year.
TYE Clean Energy Capacity Building Initiative
Recipient: TLL Yahda Energy Ltd.
Location: Massett, British Columbia
Funding amount: $1,000,000
The project will support Skidegate Band Council, in collaboration with Old Massett Village Council, in activities related to climate adaptation strategies, including: 1) a joint energy strategy with BC Hydro to develop a clean energy system from solar PV with battery storage, hydroelectricity, tidal, onshore wind, grid interconnection and/or demand side management; 2) demand side management planning, including commercial and residential audits and supply-side feasibility work; and 3) local clean energy training and employment to provide energy efficiency surveys and upgrades.
Haida Gwaii Microsolar, Energy Storage and EV Demonstration
Recipient: TLL Yahda Energy Ltd.
Location: Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Funding amount: $1,250,000
The project will demonstrate and evaluate an innovative distributed energy system that incorporates micro-solar power, battery energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities. The system is designed to support demand-side management, improve grid resiliency and increase the overall quality and reliability of the power supply while reducing diesel consumption on Haida Gwaii.
Haida Gwaii Biomass Deployment Strategy
Recipient: TLL Yahda Energy Ltd.
Location: Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Funding amount: $321,298
This project will complete an analysis of the local wood fuel supply chain, monitor the biomass system performance of the boiler already installed in Old Massett and conduct pre-feasibility assessments for bioenergy districting heating system expansion in Old Massett and Skidegate.
Northern Hospital District Energy Project
Recipient: Old Massett Village Council
Location: Massett, British Columbia
Funding amount: $450,000
This project will procure and install a 390-kW Viessmann biomass boiler to supply renewable heat and hot water to the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre, which is expected to reduce diesel use by approximately 200,000 litres per year.
Pre-Demo Yuquot Wave Project
Recipient: Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation
Location: Yuquot, British Columbia
Funding amount: $128,194
This project will complete regulatory and site work for a wave energy project.
Tu Netset Geothermal Project
Recipient: Daylu Dena Council
Location: Lower Post, British Columbia
Funding amount: $325,383
This project will target exploration and test drilling plans for geothermal energy in Daylu Dena Territory around Lower Post. It will build on previously completed early-stage exploration, capacity building and engagement work.
Quick facts
- Launched in 2018 and recapitalized in 2021, the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program has invested $453 million to reduce the reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels for heat and power in Indigenous, rural and remote communities.
- CERRC has supported over 230 projects nationally, including capacity-building initiatives, capital projects, innovation projects and bioheat projects.
- Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada previously announced $4,459,789 in funding for Phase 2 of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation’s Padakus Hydropower Project through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and Indigenous Services Canada invested $10.5 million to support the design and construction of this facility.
