The B.C. government is providing another $764,600 through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) to help 10 First Nations communities pursue clean-power options.

Since 2011, B.C. has invested $3.26 million to help 61 Aboriginal communities participate in the clean-energy sector, including wind energy, biomass and run-of-river hydroelectric power.

The FNCEBF provides money to build capacity in First Nations communities and invest in clean-energy infrastructure. By providing a mixture of capacity building, feasibility and project-development funding combined with equity funding for projects and revenue-sharing, the fund helps to generate jobs for families and provide opportunities that benefit First Nations and non-First Nation communities alike. It also helps to foster economic independence for First Nations.

Applications to the fund are reviewed and decisions made based on the strength of each application and its viability relative to other applications.

B.C.'s clean-energy technology industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the province, with more than 200 organizations, 68 per cent of which were formed in the past decade.

Quote:

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"Clean energy is a key part of the BC Jobs Plan, and an area in which First Nations are playing a vital and ever-increasing role. The fund's success speaks to First Nations' determination to bring clean power sources to their communities and to create new business opportunities."

Quick Facts:

• Revenue-sharing from eligible clean-energy projects based on revenues derived from water rentals and land rents.
• Equity funding of up to $500,000 for First Nations to invest in clean-energy projects and to help communities attract further investment.
• Capacity-development funding of up to $50,000 to support First Nations with community-energy planning, feasibility studies or engagement with private-sector proponents of clean-energy projects.

Learn More:

For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund and how to apply, please call 1 800 880-1022 toll-free or visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fncebf.html

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund - projects approved in October 2012

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations (near Tofino)
$500,000
The FNCEBF will provide a $500,000 contribution towards the equity required to finance construction of the run-of-river Haa-ak-suuk Creek Hydropower Project.

Musqueam First Nation (Vancouver)
$30,000
The Musqueam First Nation Energy Development Initiative aims to determine multiple options for the Musqueam to develop alternative energy developments in their community, including solar, wind and biomass.

Seabird Island Band (near Chilliwack)
$4,600
This funding will facilitate a study by TWN Wind Power Inc., (a Tsleil-Waututh Nation Company) to determine the feasibility of small wind energy generation.

Shxwha:y Village (near Chilliwack)
$40,000
This funding will support a study on the feasibility of using a geothermal (geo-exchange) system to produce green heat to make the village energy sufficient and a net producer of renewable energy for future development and expansion.

Cheam Indian Band (near Chilliwack)
$40,000
The Cheam Landfill Gas Feasibility Study will support the development of an alternative energy source for the Cheam Indian Band that would enhance the sustainability and economic viability of a proposed multiplex building. The study will assess the feasibility of capturing methane from the landfill and utilizing it to heat, cool or generate electricity for the new building, reducing energy costs to the community.

Tsawout First Nation (Saanich)
$20,000
This funding supports the Tsawout First Nation Community Energy Plan. The plan will be unique to Tsawout's community goals and land base, and also will include a template for a pilot car-pooling program.

Williams Lake Indian Band
$40,000
This funding will support the development of the Williams Lake Indian Band's Community Energy Plan and a feasibility study to look at the opportunities of integrating biomass district energy systems with the Highway 97 Development.

Nooaitch Indian Band (near Merritt)
$30,000
Community Energy Planning for Nooaitch Indian Band will consider the community's existing infrastructure, local renewable energy resources, strategic vision of sustainability and goals for the future.

Old Massett Village Council (Haida Gwaii)
$30,000
The Old Massett Energy Planning & Business Development Initiative will explore resources and opportunities available to the Old Massett Village Council to develop new alternative energy generation projects.

Lax Kw'alaams Band (near Prince Rupert)
$30,000
A feasibility study will assess renewable energy technology opportunities available for the project area (wind, hydro or biomass, for example). Financially viable technologies and sites will be identified and recommendations put forward on how to proceed with development and implementation.

Contact:

Robin Platts
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204
250 213-6451 (cell)