The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 11, as construction began on the Anahim Lake Solar Project.
Located at the western edge of BC’s Chilcotin, Ulkatcho First Nation will soon access solar-generated power from Canada’s largest off-grid solar farm, expected to be completed in October 2025.
100 per cent owned by UEC, a member of the nation’s Ulkatcho Group of Companies (UGoC), the project is expected to reduce the use of diesel in the remote community by 64 per cent, about 1.1 million litres per year, and to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the region. At this time, Ulkatcho First Nation and Anahim Lake rely completely on diesel for their power.
“This solar project in Anahim Lake marks a new path for the Ulkatcho First Nation, creating significant lasting environmental and economic benefits,” said Stephen James, CEO of the UGoC. “We look forward to the future opportunities that this project will help create – and value the strong partnerships that we have developed with both the public and private sectors in this process.”
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UEC will be transforming the lands of an old sawmill site to construct the solar plant, which will include new access roads, a control and monitoring facility, site fire management, signage and security.
“We are giving our people a cleaner environment and preserving our lands through reducing greenhouse gas emissions on our Traditional Territory,” said Chief Charlie Williams in a June 11 press release about the ceremony, adding the project would have a positive impact on the community.
“The Ulkatcho First Nation is proud to be a leader in the future of green energy in British Columbia.”
Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, said the project marks a major step forward in emission reduction.
“This is what bold, community-led action looks like. The Anahim Lake Solar Project — now Canada’s largest off-grid solar initiative — marks a major step forward in reducing emissions, strengthening local economies and advancing economic reconciliation," Hodgson noted in a government news release.
"With construction now underway, we’re proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we’re doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples."
Once construction is complete, BC Hydro will purchase the energy produced by the plant for the next 20 years and integrate it into its microgrid for the community to access. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in BC, made possible by the signing of an April 2024 Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) between UEC and BC Hydro.
“Our collaboration with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation not only sets the foundation for future partnerships with First Nations across the province but also underscores BC Hydro’s commitment to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives – ensuring reliable, sustainable power for generations to come," said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro.
To facilitate the integration of the energy produced by UEC into the BC Hydro network, BC Hydro is making upgrades to its Anahim Lake Station. These include the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System and a Microgrid Control System, expected to be completed by early 2026.
This will transition operations at BC Hydro from analog to digital and will enable the station to efficiently store surplus energy and reliably distribute solar power produced by the 3.8-megawatt Ahanim Lake Solar Farm even once the sun sets.
The entire project is slated to be in service by summer 2026 after construction, testing and integration are complete.
In an April 2024 news release following the signing of CEPA, the Government of Canada said scientific studies and a business case determined that solar power was the best solution for the community as it transitions to clean energy. At the time, a total of $15,841,000 was to be invested in the project by federal and provincial governments.
Andie Mollins/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter/The Williams Lake Tribune
