Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
To support greater First Nations participation in the clean energy sector, applications are now being accepted until the end of January for the next round of funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF).
Since 2011, the B.C. government has invested more than $6.8 million through the FNCEBF to support First Nations participation in clean energy projects for 116 Aboriginal communities.
In 2015, a total of $1.358 million was invested in 14 First Nations new clean energy projects and as of year-end, government has entered into 39 clean energy revenue sharing agreements with 31 First Nations. Since the inception of the fund, more than $8.21 million including the initial appropriation of $5 million and $3.21 million in provincial revenues from water and land rents has been shared with First Nations.
From small, run-of-river hydro projects and community energy planning, to reducing diesel and propane use and exploring ocean thermal power, First Nations are developing innovative, clean green energy projects throughout B.C. with support from the fund.
A good example of this can be found near Chetwynd, where the Saulteau and Moberly Lake First Nations are replacing a plant nursery’s propane heating with a cleaner, lower cost, biomass heating system with funding support of $150,000.
The Twin Sisters Native Plant Nursery grows plant species used in site reclamation by the mining and oil and gas industries. By providing local plant stock for reclamation, the nursery is playing an important role in helping restore post-industrial lands to natural, healthy and productive ecosystems. The upgraded biomass heating system will initially heat two existing greenhouses, with the capability of supporting two additional greenhouses as they are built.
The scope of the fund has been expanded this year and now includes equity investments to implement high-efficiency heating technologies. The installation of small-scale wind or biomass or other renewable energy technologies that will provide load displacement in the community are examples that the FNCEBF will fund. Capacity funding has also been expanded and can now be applied to certain types of training including solar and insulation installation, draft proofing, ventilation and energy efficient home and building design.
Funding for clean energy projects and agreements is part of the Province’s commitment to reconciliation with First Nations. This includes ensuring more nations are involved in economic opportunities that make their communities and the rest of the province stronger.
Quotes:
John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –
“First Nations are developing clean energy projects and energy plans that are providing positive results for their communities. These are the kind of projects that can reduce harmful emissions, strengthen local economies, and create well-paying jobs.”
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines –
“Supporting the participation of First Nations in developing new, clean energy resources, community energy plans and improving energy management and efficiency within their communities is a priority for government. Expanding funded programs to include the installation of high-efficiency heating technologies and clean energy training programs is another positive step forward.”
Paul Kariya, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia –
“First Nations want more opportunities to power their communities and economies with responsible, reliable and affordable clean and renewable energy projects. The transformation is occurring such that the most significant natural resource sector for B.C. First Nations today is clean energy.”
Quick Facts:
- The B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund aims to promote increased First Nations participation in the clean-energy sector through:
- Up to $500,000 in equity funding for First Nations to invest in clean energy projects and to help communities attract further investment.
- Up to $150,000 in equity funding to support small-scale, heat electrical production, energy management and efficiency projects.
- Up to $50,000 in capacity-development funding to support First Nations with community-energy planning, feasibility studies or engagement with private-sector proponents of clean energy projects and training.
- Revenue-sharing from eligible, new clean energy projects based on revenues from water and land rents.
Learn More:
For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fncebf.html
Clean Energy BC: https://www.cleanenergybc.org/
For clips of Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad speaking about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, please visit: https://youtu.be/4oJxns-jehM
Three First Nations clean energy stories:
- Turning rainfall into clean energy – Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/turning-rainfall-into-clean-energy
- First Nation ocean power project – Sci'anew Beecher Bay Band: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/ocean-power-to-heat-homes-in-spirit-bay
- Business park geothermal system – Osoyoos Indian Band: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/first-nations-geothermal-system-heats-and-cools-business-park
A backgrounder follows.
