Yukon First Nation Powers Ahead with Landmark Solar Facility

White River First Nation in Beaver Creek, Yukon, is celebrating a significant leap towards energy independence with the completion of its 1.9 megawatt solar facility. This groundbreaking project has dramatically reduced the community's reliance on diesel fuel, achieving an impressive 55 consecutive days of power solely from the sun. The initiative not only marks a triumph for renewable energy in Canada but also honors the Nation's deep connection to the land.

Key Takeaways

• The Saa/Se solar facility is expected to meet 55% of Beaver Creek's annual electricity needs.

• It is projected to divert 320,000 liters of diesel fuel annually, potentially the largest diesel diversion from a solar project in Canada.

• The facility features a battery energy storage system, enabling 24-hour solar power reliability.

A New Era of Clean Energy

The once-ubiquitous hum of diesel generators in Beaver Creek has been largely replaced by the quiet efficiency of solar power. The newly completed 1.9 megawatt solar facility, named Saa/Se (meaning "sun" in local Indigenous languages), represents a major stride in the transition to renewable energy for both the White River First Nation and Canada.

"First Nations have always been protective of the land, and the project builds on the strength of our ancestors," stated White River First Nation Councillor Dwayne Broeren during the recent celebration. The facility is designed to meet a substantial portion of the community's electricity demands, significantly reducing the need for fossil fuels.

Innovative Technology for Reliable Power

Boasting 3,520 solar panels, the Saa/Se facility is among the largest in the Yukon. Its unique feature is an integrated battery energy storage system. This system stores solar energy generated during sunny periods, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply around the clock, especially crucial during the summer months.

Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton highlighted the importance of this technology, noting, "Those batteries do more than just store power. They give the community confidence that clean energy can be reliable and steady day and night."

Project Development and Future Impact

The project, spearheaded by White River First Nation's development arm, Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership, received approval from the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) in 2020, with construction commencing in 2023. ATCO Electric has entered into a 30-year agreement to purchase electricity from the Nation, further solidifying the project's long-term viability.

Bill Cullen, ATCO Electric's program manager for renewables and grid modernization, emphasized the project's dual benefits: "This Indigenous-led solar project will significantly reduce reliance on diesel and help to lower emissions, enhance energy resilience and contribute to a more sustainable future. But equally important is the long-term economic impact this project will have on the community."

A documentary chronicling the project and the people of the White River First Nation is slated for release in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Yukon First Nation celebrates completion of 1.9 megawatt solar facility, CBC.