In 2019 the Tahltan Nation announced that it purchased five per cent – from Axium and Manulife – of the Northwest British Columbia Hydro Electric Facilities, comprising three run-of-the-river projects: Forrest Kerr, McLymont Creek and Volcano Creek, located in Tahltan Territory. This project is worth over 2 billion dollars, and this ownership stake worth over 124 million dollars marked the largest clean energy investment ever made by an Indigenous group in British Columbia, and the largest investment ever made by the Tahltan Nation.
The Tahltan Central Council (as it was named then) originally signed multiple impact benefit agreements with AltaGas on this major project back in 2011. In addition, revenue sharing agreements were also signed with the Province of British Columbia shortly thereafter.
Located in Tahltan Territory, the Facilities are comprised of the 195-megawatt Forrest Kerr Hydroelectric Facility, which achieved commercial operation (“COD”) in October 2014, the 16-megawatt Volcano Creek Hydroelectric Facility, which achieved COD in December 2014, and the 66-megawatt McLymont Creek Hydroelectric Facility, which achieved COD on October 1, 2015. The Facilities are underpinned by three separate 60-year, fully indexed electricity purchase agreements with BC Hydro.
The Tahltan Nation receives several million dollars annually from the three run-of-the-river projects in the form of three distinct payment types: (1) dividend payments as partial owners; (2) impact benefit agreement payments from the company; (3) revenue sharing payments from the Province of British Columbia. In addition, the major project supports local Tahltans with employment and contract opportunities.
The Facilities feed into the Northwest Transmission Line which provides power to the Red Chris Mine. This mining operation employed hundreds of Tahltan people and many Tahltan entrepreneurs, as well as the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, on an annual basis. The Red Chris Mine gone through multiple ownership changes in recent years, but the benefits to the Tahltan Nation and the economy in Northwest British Columbia remains strong.
How does Thadu Consulting help industries and Indigenous nations with clean energy projects?
Thadu Consulting helps industries and Indigenous nations develop fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial clean energy projects. We assist in negotiating agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and creating long-term strategies that align with both industry and community goals. By fostering partnerships based on respect, transparency, and shared benefits, we help Indigenous communities take an active role in shaping their energy future.
How can clean energy projects create lasting benefits for Indigenous communities?
Clean energy projects support Indigenous communities by providing economic growth, employment opportunities, and energy security. Investing in renewable energy allows nations to reduce dependence on outside energy sources while generating sustainable income through ownership or partnership in energy projects. These initiatives also promote environmental stewardship, ensuring that future generations benefit from a cleaner, more self-sufficient energy system.
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