Stellat’en First Nation and Innergex Sign Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro for the Nithi Mountain Wind Project
January 8, 2025
Stellat’en First Nation and Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. are pleased to announce the signing of a 30-year electricity purchase agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro for the electricity to be generated by the Nithi Mountain wind project (200 MW). This milestone marks a significant step forward in advancing sustainable energy solutions while fostering collaboration and creating long-term social and economic benefits for the Bulkley-Nechako region in British Columbia.
- Signature of a 30-year power purchase agreement with BC Hydro for the electricity to be generated by the Nithi Mountain wind project (200 MW).
- Partnership between Stellat’en First Nation (51%) and Innergex (49%) to bring more clean energy to the region.
- Will bring significant opportunities for economic growth and social development to the region, supporting Stellat’en First Nation’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.
- Continuous and steady cash flow for 30 years, indexed to inflation.
“We have been governing our territory in accordance with the Yinka Dene legal tradition for a millennium,” said Stellat’en Chief Robert Michell. “The Nithi Mountain Wind Project is anchored by the Yinka Dene’s core values and beliefs. Collaborations like this showcase to the world how the Yinka Dene can participate competitively and meaningfully. At the same time, strengthening our cultural values and environmental stewardship objectives while boosting the province’s GDP.”
“We thank Stellat’en First Nation for their trust and collaboration on the Nithi Mountain Wind Project,” said Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex. “Partnering with the Stellat’en First Nation, we are proud to advance a project that delivers lasting economic and environmental benefits to the region and honouring the land and values of the Yinka Dene people. This milestone reflects the strength of our development portfolio, and our shared commitment to advancing British Columbia’s energy transition. Expanding our Canadian wind portfolio through projects like Nithi Mountain demonstrates our focus on disciplined growth, fostering regional sustainability, and creating value for all stakeholders.”
A Project Rooted in Collaboration and Engagement
The Nithi Mountain wind project is being developed in close collaboration with First Nations in the area. Guided by collaborative land-use planning, the project integrates cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment for Indigenous communities in the Bulkley-Nechako region.
The project is expected to create approximately 150 job opportunities during development, construction, and operation phases, supporting local economic growth and workforce development.
Transparent and inclusive consultation is central to the project, with engagement initiatives such as public open houses, media outreach, project-specific communications, and job fairs to commence in the near future. These efforts aim to foster open dialogue, build lasting relationships with surrounding Nations, municipalities, and stakeholders, and ensure that local communities are involved at every stage.
Environmental and Community Benefits
The Nithi Mountain Wind Project will deliver numerous environmental and community benefits, including:
- Powering 60,000 Homes: With an estimated annual generation of 600 GWh, the wind farm will provide enough renewable electricity to power approximately 60,000 households, helping to meet BC Hydro’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing clean electrification.
- Support for Local Air and Water Quality: The Nithi Mountain wind project will provide clean energy to the region, improving air and water quality while enhancing the local infrastructure to support the electrification of industrial operations, reducing emissions in the long term.
- Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Protection: The project minimizes environmental impact by avoiding sensitive cultural and ecological resources. It integrates sustainability at every stage, with remediation practices to restore the land, preserve cultural values, and enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitats if decommissioned.
The project is scheduled for commercial operations in 2030. The long-term electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro (S&P credit rating: AA-) is structured as a 30-year take-or-pay contract, indexed to a predefined percentage of the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) ensuring financial stability and protection against inflation.
The project is subject to the execution of contracts with suppliers, and to the successful completion of permit application processes and regulatory requirements.
