Westbank First Nation and Innergex Announce Signing of Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro for the K2 Wind Project
January 8, 2025
Westbank First Nation (WFN) 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 K2 wind project (160 MW). Located in the Pennask Mountain area, this initiative represents an exciting opportunity for the communities involved to explore their potential roles in advancing clean energy, sustainability, and economic growth.
“Westbank First Nation is proud to have been awarded an Electricity Purchase Agreement alongside Innergex for the proposed K2 Wind Energy Project,” said Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie. “This project demonstrates the power of collaboration and our dedication to leaving a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. We look forward to engaging with our Membership as we move toward finalizing this transformative opportunity.”
As per WFN’s Constitution, a Membership Referendum with a positive outcome is required for WFN to fully sign on and become a partner on the project. This democratic process ensures that all WFN Members have an opportunity to voice their perspectives and collectively guide WFN’s path forward.
“We thank Westbank First Nation for their interest and collaboration on the K2 Wind Project,” said Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex. “We are proud to collaborate with Westbank First Nation to bring more clean energy to the region, while respecting the land and values of the community. Our partnerships with Indigenous communities are at the heart of our approach to renewable energy development, reinforcing our commitment to projects that honour Indigenous values and contribute to long-term economic, environmental, and social progress. 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 K2 demonstrates our focus on disciplined growth, fostering regional sustainability, and creating value for all stakeholders.”
A Project Rooted in Collaboration and Engagement
The K2 Wind Project is being developed in close collaboration with the respective syilx/Okanagan 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 Pennask Mountain area.
The project is expected to create approximately 130 job opportunities locally during development, construction, and operation phases, supporting local economic growth and workforce development, while respecting traditional ecological knowledge and cultural values.
Transparent and inclusive consultation is central to the project to ensure it delivers meaningful benefits for the community, 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 syilx Nations, municipalities, and stakeholders, and ensure that local communities are involved at every stage.
Environmental and Community Benefits
The K2 Wind Project will deliver numerous environmental and community benefits, including:
- Powering 50,000 Homes: With an estimated annual generation of 500 GWh, the wind farm will provide enough renewable electricity to power approximately 50,000 households, helping to meet BC Hydro’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing clean electrification.
- 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 2031. 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.
