https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=62497E5F6DCF1-FE02-DF94-DD930938BE9CB264
Feb 07, 2019
Solar power to reduce diesel in Fort Chipewyan
Alberta is supporting Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree
First Nation and Métis Local 125 in owning and operating a new solar
farm that will reduce their reliance on diesel generators.
Fort Chipewyan is not connected to Alberta’s electricity grid and relies
on burning diesel fuel for heat and power. To reduce diesel use in the
northern community, the nations formed Three Nations Energy LP (3NE).
With a $3.3-million grant from Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan and in
partnership with ATCO, 3NE will own and operate the largest off-grid
solar-and-storage project in Canada.
“We are very proud to partner with Three Nations Energy and the
community of Fort Chipewyan. In addition to reducing costs, this project
helps make life better for residents by reducing pollution and
increasing safety. This is just one of the many steps on the path of
reconciliation our government is taking by empowering Indigenous peoples
to own, develop and operate this project.”
Richard Feehan, Minister of Indigenous Relations
“By harnessing Alberta’s abundant solar resources, we can ensure
northern communities no longer need to rely on diesel to heat and power
their homes. This project is the largest in Canadian history to reduce
diesel emissions by moving to solar power and storage. More importantly,
it shows what can be accomplished when we work together to protect our
environment.”
Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister
responsible for Climate Change
The solar photovoltaic system will consist of about 7,500 panels that,
once completed, will replace the equivalent of 800,000 litres of diesel
fuel for Fort Chipewyan – supplying roughly 25 per cent of the
community’s energy use. It is anticipated that Fort Chipewyan will start
generating solar energy in fall 2020.
The project will also reduce noise pollution in the area and make the
winter roads safer due to reduced tanker truck traffic.
“While our regional economy depends on the oil industry, we feel
the effects of climate change in our community and see the growing
impacts on our delta lands. Our members want us to be part of the
solution and we appreciate Alberta working with us to take a big step
forward to cut pollution and protect the environment.”
Chief Allan Adam, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
“The Three Nations Energy solar farm project showcases our
community’s shared vision of achieving energy sovereignty and becoming a
leader in creating a climate-friendly economy. 3NE will work as one to
build capacity and implement other projects in energy efficiency and
green energy.”
Calvin Waquan, councillor, Mikisew Cree First Nation
“Three Nations Energy is about Indigenous Peoples working in
partnership and collaborating with governments and private industry to
protect the environment. Our solar farm will create local employment,
increase our energy security and, over time, it can generate revenues to
reinvest in our community.”
Kelly Piche, Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125
ATCO is working closely with 3NE, supplying design, construction and
operation services as well as ensuring local employment benefits. ATCO
will also operate a complementary battery storage system that can store
1.5 MWh of power, extending the ability of the solar farm to replace diesel.
"ATCO is honoured and thrilled to partner with the community of
Fort Chipewyan to implement an innovative clean energy microgrid
solution. ATCO will build and operate the solar array and battery
storage, significantly reducing diesel consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions while creating jobs and building capacity for community
ownership of the solar farm."
Quyen Nguyen, vice-president, ATCO
Quick facts
The project will be completed in a phased approach.
ATCO is installing a Phase 1 component of 400 kW (about 1,500
panels) this winter which ATCO will own, reducing diesel consumption by
150,000 litres per year.
3NE, supported by funding from the Government of Alberta, will
own Phase 2, consisting of another 2,200 kW from 6,000 panels, which
will reduce diesel consumption by an additional 650,000 litres per year.
The solar farm will have a generation capacity of 2.6 MW (2,600 kW)
and an energy production of 3,200 MWh/year once Phase 2 is complete.
Construction will create 40 jobs at the 6.5-hectare site adjacent
to Third Lake Plant.
The reduction in tanker trucks is roughly 25 large tanker truck
trips each way, per year.
The project will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2,170 tonnes CO2e
per year.
The total project cost for the solar farm is $7.8 million,
including the $3.3-million commitment from the Government of Alberta.
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https://www.pembina.org/media-release/33m-grant-fort-chipewyan-will-lead-canadas-biggest-remote-solar-project
$3.3m grant for Fort Chipewyan will lead to Canada’s biggest remote
solar project Pembina Institute reacts to the Government of Alberta’s
investment to reduce Fort Chipewyan’s reliance on imported diesel for
electric power
Feb. 7, 2019
CALGARY – DAVE LOVEKIN, Director, Renewables in Remote Communities at
the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the
Government of Alberta’s announcement supporting Fort Chipewyan’s solar
photovoltaic and battery hybrid micro-grid system:
“The Pembina Institute is extremely pleased to see the community of Fort
Chipewyan make a strong entry into the renewable energy sector with a
collaborative solar energy project that will reduce dependence on diesel
for electricity. This is a bright day for Alberta, and specifically Fort
Chipewyan. The Pembina Institute applauds the progress being made in the
province, on this and other initiatives supporting a transition away
from diesel reliance in remote communities.
“This project is another strong example of the tectonic shift happening
in remote Indigenous communities. These clean energy opportunities not
only reduce greenhouse gas emissions and negative environment impacts,
but are also a source of pride for community members and a source of
revenue for the community.
“When completed in 2020, the new hybrid microgrid system will be the
largest solar PV system in a remote Canadian community, and the project
is expected to supply a total of 25 per cent of the community’s power,
and reduce total annual diesel consumption by 800,000 litres per year.
“The municipality of Fort Chipewyan is home to three Indigenous Nations
that have come together to create Three Nation Energy LP, which will
partner with the local power provider to develop and build the project.
“This partnership is a very positive step in creating opportunities for
Indigenous communities to play a leadership role in their energy
futures. Through this collaboration, all three Nations will benefit from
the revenue this renewable project will produce, while also lessening
the environmental impacts to land, air and water from diesel reliance.”
Quick facts
This announcement is Phase 2 of a larger solar power initiative in
the community of Fort Chipewyan. Phase 1 comprised a smaller 400 kW
solar PV project lead by ATCO Electric that will reduce diesel fuel
consumption by 150,000 litres per year.
Through its Climate Leadership Plan and the Alberta Indigenous
Climate Leadership Program, the Government of Alberta is investing $3.3
million for Phase 2, to develop a 2.2 megawatt solar PV and a 1.5
megawatt-hour battery storage system in the northeastern Alberta community.
The 2.2 MW solar PV will consist of 6,000 solar panels – in
addition to the 1,500 for Phase 1 – located in the community of Fort
Chipewyan, which will connect to ATCO Electric’s micro-grid.
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), Métis Local 125
(Métis), and the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) have come together to
create Three Nation Energy LP, which will develop, build and co-own the
new system with local power provider ATCO Electric.
There are seven isolated communities in northern Alberta; through
other Government of Alberta’s initiatives, there are plans for several
to be connected to the provincial grid while others are also being
equipped with solar PV and battery systems.
Phase 2 of the project is expected to generate approximately 2,300
MWh of electricity per year, enough to power the equivalent of 350
homes, which equates to approximately 70 per cent of the residential
building stock in the community.
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