The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has reached financial close with Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) and BluEarth Renewables on a $35-million loan to build the quA-ymn solar project near Kamloops, B.C.

The 15-megawatt solar power plant is the first industrial-level solar facility to be built in the province – previous solar projects are of one megawatt or less – which has lagged in the development of non-hydro renewable energy sources.

Once operational, the quA-ymn solar plant will plug into BC Hydro's electrical grid and rely on 38,000 fixed-tilt solar photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy capable of powering more than 2,000 homes annually on Nlaka'pamux tribal lands and elsewhere in B.C.

The project is part of CIB's strategic effort to fund and facilitate the development of clean energy projects across Canada. Armed with a total budget of $35 billion, CIB is exercising a mandate to invest $10 billion in renewable energy, of which $1 billion has been earmarked for Indigenous clean power projects.

By investing $35 million in the joint venture between the six nations comprising the NNTC and BluEarth, a leading developer of renewable energy projects across North America, the CIB reinforces its commitment to fostering economic growth among Canada's First Nations communities.

Preliminary construction work is already underway on the solar facility which is being built on reclaimed land in the Highland Valley Copper Mine southwest of Kamloops.

The beginning of collaboration between NNTC and BluEarth

The quA-ymn solar project is the first of possibly five solar and wind projects the NNTC, under the leadership of Chief Matt Pasco, plans to develop.

"This is an important project for the NNTC and our member communities and confirms for us that the disciplined and principled approach the NNTC has taken best protects Nlaka'pamux title and rights," Pasco said upon the Nov. 4 announcement of the financial close.

Grant Arnold, president and CEO of BluEarth Renewables, echoed Pasco's comments and believes his company has found an important renewable energy partner in the NNTC. 

"This is our first of many projects together," he said. "We view this as a long-term relationship with significant growth potential and look forward to pursuing future opportunities with the NNTC."

CIB enabled long-gestating solar project to take shape

Following the launch of the CIB's Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative in 2021, the NNTC and BluEarth made a joint application for financing. The CIB then worked with the two parties to structure a deal to bring the project to fruition.

"The NNTC had begun negotiations well over a decade ago with the B.C. government and BC Hydro for the rights to develop renewable projects," Hillary Thatcher, managing director of Indigenous investments at CIB, said in an interview with Sustainable Biz Canada.

"BC Hydro had built a major transmission line right through their territory. As part of the settlement and reconciliation process that took place, BC Hydro agreed to give the NNTC a contract to build renewable power with the additional proviso that they would buy that power from the tribal community."

"The NNTC then spent several years developing the solar project and ultimately reached out to BluEarth to carry out the necessary technical and engineering work. BluEarth had already worked with Indigenous communities in Ontario and Alberta and they were the right partner for the NNTC."

A game changer for the six NNTC Indigenous communities

The realization of the quA-ymn solar project could have an enormous impact on the future social and economic development of the six NNTC communities.

"This can be a real game changer for NNTC and you really do feel their interest in helping bring about a better future and better outcomes for their people as time moves on," Thatcher said.

The project is an example of renewable energy investment opportunities targeted by the CIB to specifically empower First Nations communities and promote job creation.

It is estimated the project will generate approximately 100 jobs at peak construction and result in additional full-time employment opportunities once the solar plant goes online.

Panoply of CIB-backed First Nations renewable energy projects 

The CIB is participating in a panoply of renewable projects across Canada. These include its $79-million investment in the Deerfoot and Barlow Solar projects southeast of Calgary – the largest urban solar installation in western Canada - a 51-49 per cent joint venture between the Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations and ATCO.

The CIB is also contributing $33 million toward Alberta's Tilly solar project in conjunction with Alexander First Nation, as well as a $118-million loan to the Higgins Mountain wind farm being developed by Elemental Energy in partnership with Stevens Wind and Sipekne'katik First Nation.

"We are continuing to partner with many First Nations communities as well as Métis and Inuit communities. We anticipate many more projects being built with Indigenous partners and this is where CIB facility plays a helpful role by providing access to affordable capital," Thatcher said.

"These projects enable Indigenous communities to become owners of renewable energy projects which will generate long-term revenues for their peoples as well as help realize sustainability goals that are in alignment with their fundamental values."