Federal Gov't Provides Funding for First Nations Renewable Energy Projects
- EFN Staff | December 06, 2013
Today the federal government announced it is partnering with the First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan to develop renewable energy products in the province.
Federal funding of $300,000 will be used to purchase equipment for small-scale demonstration projects, including solar photovoltaic technology, waste heat recovery, solar and microgrid systems, and a grid support initiative for regions that experience higher than average power outages
FNPA will partner with multiple First Nations and private industry to develop new technologies for reliable energy sources that will improve business productivity and support community sustainability in remote areas.
"This project will result in exciting new technologies that provide a reliable energy source to rural and First Nations communities, as well as remote forestry and mining operations," says Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
Ben Voss, Board Chair of the FNPA, says FNPA's membership is "keenly interested" in matching business opportunities with energy needs.
"WD's support will enable us to better understand how these systems can provide important infrastructure to improve the quality of life and economic development opportunities for First Nations."
FNPA is a non-profit entity funded by the federal government Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) department. It was created to develop First Nations-led projects in Saskatchewan's power industry in order to provide First Nations' members with financial returns, expertise, employment, and business opportunities.
The first project planned is a solar photovoltaics demonstration in partnership with FHQ Developments, which is the economic development corporation of the File HIlls Qu'Appelle Tribal Council, and Lockheed Martin Canada.