Twelve new clean energy projects in Canada have received funding, including a microgrid that will generate reliable electricity for the Montana First Nation. Grants worth more than $175 million CAD ($130M USD) were disbursed from Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), which will invest up to $4.5 billion in advanced renewable energy and grid modernization projects by 2035.
“The government of Canada is investing to deliver more affordable, reliable and clean power in every region of Canada,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
As part of this latest round of funding, Akamihk Energy, which is fully owned by the Montana First Nation, received $1 million to investigate consolidating its electric distribution infrastructure into a microgrid. The First Nations have expressed the need to own their energy supply.
The SREPs Program encourages First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities to apply for funding by lowering barriers to participation. One way it does this is by awarding funds for smaller projects, such as the Akamihk Energy project.
Wind energy projects received the biggest individual investments. Pattern Energy obtained more than $20 million for the installation of a 150-MW onshore wind array, while Innagreen received more than $17.5 million for its 105.4-MW wind project.
SREPs finance was also awarded to the Sawridge, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nation communities. Winners include a 10.4-MW wind farm, the largest urban solar installation in Western Canada, and grid modernization projects. The program has already invested more than $160 million in solar projects across Alberta, as well as more than $3 million in a grid modernization project. These projects will create new jobs as well as advance the country's clean energy goals.
“Today's federal investment in Indigenous and industry-led projects … will create jobs delivering power to communities across Alberta as we seize the economic opportunities of a low-carbon future,” Wilkinson said.