The B.C. government is providing another $291,030 through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) to help 11 First Nations' communities to pursue clean-power projects.

Since 2011, the provincial government has invested more than $3.5 million to support clean-energy opportunities in 72 Aboriginal communities throughout B.C., including wind energy, biomass and run-of-river hydroelectric power.

The FNCEBF provides money to build capacity in First Nations communities and to invest in clean-energy infrastructure. The fund helps to generate jobs for families and provides opportunities that benefit First Nations and non-First Nations' communities alike. It also helps to foster economic independence for First Nations.

Earlier this month, B.C. signed the first revenue-sharing agreement under the fund, which will enable the Tahltan Nation to receive a portion of water rentals and land rents charged by the Province for the Forrest Kerr hydroelectric project, which will help power the Northwest Transmission Line. Once the project is fully operational, the revenue to Tahltan is forecast to be approximately $2.5 million per year over the life of the project.

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

With 202 B.C. companies in core clean tech research and development, total industry revenue is forecast to reach $2.5 billion in 2011, and the number of clean tech jobs could double by 2020.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"As part of the BC Jobs Plan, we are firmly committed to supporting opportunities for First Nations to benefit from and participate in resource activities within their traditional territory.

First Nations have taken a strong role in B.C.'s clean-energy sector, and this latest round of funding will support new opportunities in communities across the province."

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas -

"First Nations are key partners in clean-energy development and delivery across the province. These projects are bringing jobs, economic opportunities and clean, renewable power to First Nations' communities, and benefiting all British Columbians by reducing B.C.'s carbon emissions."

Quick Facts:

• This funding is from the sixth call for FNCEBF applications. The next intake of applications closes at the end of May 2013.
• The FNCEBF promotes increased First Nations participation in the clean-energy sector through:
• 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.

• A percentage of land and water rentals generated by eligible projects will be returned to the fund with the goal of becoming self-revenue-generating in the future.

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.

Media Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund - projects approved in February 2013

Da'naxda'xw (Awaetlala) First Nation (near Alert Bay)

Funding: $40,000 to support a feasibility study for an integrated wind/diesel/battery Hybrid Energy System that would increase efficiency, enhance reliability, and significantly reduce diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Dease River Development Corp. (Dease River First Nation, Good Hope Lake)

Funding: $10,000 to support feasibility work for the proposed Troutline Creek hydro project, which would increase regional electricity self-sufficiency, reduce environmental impacts and provide employment for the Dease River First Nation members during development, construction and operations.

Gitxsan Development Corp. (Hazelton)

Funding: $20,000 to explore and assess the feasibility of developing a biomass-fed district energy system in the Town of Hazelton that would provide space heating to a number of existing and future buildings and facilities.

Hesquiaht First Nation (near Tofino)

Funding: $40,000 to support the Hot Springs Cove MicroHydro Project, which aims to offset use of diesel generators; provide employment for Hesquiaht during development, construction and operations; and generate the income to fund educational, cultural, health, and business development initiatives.

Huu-ay-aht First Nation (near Port Alberni)

Funding: $10,000 to support a land-tenure application for the Upper Sarita Hydro Project. The project is expected to provide employment for Huu-ay-aht during development, construction and operations; generate the income to fund educational, cultural, health, and business development initiatives; and build and sustain capacity within the Huu-ay-aht First Nation.

Kitselas First Nation (near Terrace)

Funding: $40,000 to support the Lakelse Geothermal Power Project, which aims to harness the geothermal energy in the Terrace/Kitimat corridor to produce electrical power and thermal energy that can be used as a primary heat source for nearby businesses.

Lower Similkameen Indian Band (Keremeos)

Funding: $8,750 will enable training for up to five Lower Similkameen Indian Band members with training required to perform annual maintenance and troubleshooting on the small wind turbine at the Lower Similkameen Indian Band elementary school in Cawston.

Nadleh Whut'en First Nation (Fort Fraser)

Funding: $28,000 to support Nadleh Whut'en in a capacity-building initiative for developing clean alternatives and renewable energy for the community.

Squamish Nation (Vancouver)

Funding: $30,000 to assess renewable energy potential in the Traditional Territory of the Squamish Nation, and to then identify the economically viable opportunities. This is the first step in the potential development of clean-energy projects that would generate additional infrastructure and revenue for the community.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation (North Vancouver)

Funding: $38,500 to undertake a comprehensive review of the development potential of various clean-energy opportunities within Tsleil-Waututh Nation territory. The funding will be used to complete feasibility studies for hydropower opportunities, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV) and geothermal opportunities.

West Moberly First Nation (northwest of Chetwynd)

Funding: $25,780 for a feasibility study for the West Moberly Solar 1 PV Solar installation. The project would help meet the community's energy-plan goal of supplying 10 per cent of its electricity through community-based clean-energy sources by 2020.

Media Contact:

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