Two northeast B.C. First Nations communities are receiving $1 million for clean energy projects as part of a funding partnership between the province, Government of Canada and New Relationship Trust.

“Through CleanBC, we are collaborating with New Relationship Trust and Western Economic Diversification Canada on the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to support First Nations-led clean energy and energy efficiency projects,” said Bruce Ralston, B.C.'s Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “Together, we are providing important funding to Indigenous communities throughout B.C. to develop projects that will help them achieve energy independence, support economic development and reduce reliance on diesel.”

The Fort Nelson First Nation in Fort Nelson is receiving $500,000 for feasibility and engineering for a geothermal energy generation plant, and the Saulteau First Nation (Treaty 8) in Chetwynd is receiving $500,000 for a wind generation project.

Funding from the BCICEI supports the planning of clean energy generation projects, such as hydro, wind, biomass, solar, marine and geothermal projects. The BCICEI also targets energy efficiency projects and energy storage. Among its target communities, it specifically seeks to assist remote communities wherever possible in reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Funding to communities through the BCICEI will be used for feasibility and site selection, environmental review and permitting, and project design and engineering. This allows First Nations’ clean energy and energy efficiency projects to proceed to the next step of implementation and construction when additional funding is secured.

In total, 13 communities throughout the province are receiving almost $2.8 million from the BCICEI.