The Saulteau First Nations, in partnership with EDF Renewables North America, has signed an electricity-purchase agreement with BC Hydro.
The deal will see clean, renewable energy provided to meet increasing demand for power from B.C. homes and businesses.
“The Taylor Wind project will generate clean energy that we urgently need, while providing jobs and long-term benefits to the Saulteau First Nations and the Peace River region,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
Taylor Wind is located in B.C.‘s Peace River region, south of Fort St John. It will consist of approximately 40 wind turbines, one substation, a high-voltage transmission line and associated infrastructure.
The wind project will generate as much as 200 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 60,000 homes.
“The completion of an electricity-purchase agreement for the project between the Saulteau First Nations, EDF Renewables and BC Hydro stands as testament to what we can do together when we build partnerships to increase First Nations' participation in the clean-energy sector and advance economic reconciliation,” said Dix
Taylor Wind is a partnership between Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables, with the Saulteau First Nations holding a 51% economic interest in the project.
“Our investment in Taylor Wind will create jobs and economic development, while also respecting our Treaty and making wise use of our natural resources,” said Chief Rudy Paquette, Saulteau First Nations.
Taylor Wind will represent an overall investment of approximately $600 million, of which a significant portion will be invested in the local economy, including key development and construction-related activities. The project is projected to create more than 150 jobs through development, construction and operation activities.
“Together, we are proving that reconciliation means creating triple-win solutions that benefit everyone. This is the future and the future is bright,” said Paquette.
It is one of 10 clean-energy projects selected to advance from BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power that will supply clean, affordable electricity to serve B.C.‘s growing communities and housing needs.
The 10 projects will have about 50% First Nations equity ownership, representing as much as $3 billion of asset ownership by First Nations.
The Taylor Wind Project is expected to operational by 2031.
Electricity demand in B.C. is expected to increase by 15% or more between now and 2030 due to population growth and housing construction, business and industrial development, transportation, and the shift from fossil fuels to clean electricity to reduce emissions