Ulkatcho First Nation is making strides with a solar plant project in the West Chilcotin.
Recently Duz Cho Construction LP completed civil ground works for the solar plant at a former old sawmill site owned by Yun Ka Whu'ten Forestry, a member of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies.
"The land's been levelled now," Stephen James, CEO for Ulkatcho Group of Companies, told Black Press Media Friday, Nov. 22. "It's exciting."
Construction on the first phase of the project is expected to begin at the end of March or early April 2025.
James said the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) project will greatly reduce Ulkatcho First Nation's reliance on diesel fuel for diesel generation by approximately 64 per cent.
"With phase one of the project we are displacing 1.2 million litres of fuel this time, but my goal is to go to 100 per cent reduction of diesel," James said.
It is estimated that eight to 20 community members will be hired to work on the construction, which is expected to be completed by October 2025.
Once the plant is operating there will not be many employees, but James said community member Sonny Leon has been hired as the plant's solar technician.
Leon begins on Dec. 1, 2024 and will be doing some training, including visiting another solar plant site over the winter. He will start working with the construction crew in March or April up until October and stay on as the solar technician, James said.
UEC selected Penticton-based Wildstone Construction Ltd. as the principal contractor.
Mark Melissen, CEO Wildstone Construction Ltd. said the company is proud to be involved in the project with solar partner SkyFire Energy.
"This project not only marks a significant step toward sustainable energy for the Ulkatcho First Nation in Anahim Lake, but also offers long-term economic benefits, supporting local growth and energy independence for future generations," Melissen said.
On April 19, 2024, UEC and BC Hydro signed a Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) for electricity generated through the solar plant.
BC Hydro, as well as the federal and provincial governments, have provided financial support for the project.
"It is a good news story that we are able to use the former sawmill site for something that is clean energy," James said. "It's also a great way to diversify the nation's revenue."
The site of the plant is seven kilometres east of Anahim Lake adjacent to Highway 20. A new access road, a solar control and monitoring facility, fire management and other related property upgrades are also part of the project.
James said the plant is the largest off-grid solar project in Canada in a non-integrated community, meaning the area is not connected to the North American grid.
