The quA-ymn Solar Project in British Columbia is now operational thanks to help from an Alberta-based technology provider.
QuA-ymn is the province’s first major commercial solar facility and largest solar installation to-date.
A total of 39,000 solar panels will produce enough energy to power more than 2,400 homes annually for up to 40 years, according to a statement from shQUAQUash Energy, an entity created for the project.
“The quA-ymn Solar Project is beneficial to the Nlaka’pamux in myriad ways and confirms that the disciplined and principled approach of the NNTC best protects and advances Nlaka’pamux title and rights,” stated Chief Matt Pasco, Chair of the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council.
The project, completed on schedule and within budget, was in development since 2011.
Progress accelerated after The Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council established a partnership with BluEarth Renewables, a Calgary-based independent power producer that acquires, develops, builds, and operates various facilities across Canada and the US.
“We are proud to have been invited to partner with shQUAQUash Energy and of what we have accomplished together with this facility,” remarked Grant Arnold, chief executive officer of BluEarth Renewables.
“We worked closely with the Nation through every stage of development, sharing the risks and cost of our joint venture, and now we are partnered to provide ongoing, long-term economic benefits to the region,” he added.
The project is located on 60 acres of reclaimed land southwest of Kamloops in Logan Lake.
“Utility projects such as quA-ymn provide predictable funds over a long time period which allows Nlaka’pamux to develop long-term plans,” said Pasco.
Development of the project was financed by the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Last year, BluEarth partnered with Vancouver’s SenseNet, which leverages fire detection technology integrating sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence-powered analysis to provide accurate and early alerts to wildfire threats.
SenseNet’s technology has been installed along a linear, 20-kilometre stretch of transmission line across the remote and topographically challenging land of BluEarth’s Tyson Creek Hydro Facility. The installation includes a network of 60 sensors and two satellite-powered cameras which can assist with early detection and notification of wildfires in the area.
BluEarth was founded in Calgary in 2010.
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