The Lower Nicola Indian Band has signed a deal for a 100-megawatt solar+storage project, to be built on the traditional territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx Nation peoples.
Aspen BC Solar Project LP, a subsidiary of Guelph, Ontario-based Canadian Solar, will develop the Aspen Solar and Energy Storage project [pdf] on a 355-hectare site about 50 kilometres southeast of Merritt, British Columbia, Kelowna Now reports. It’s expected to generate enough electricity to power 20,000 average homes.
- The climate news you need. Subscribe now to our engaging new weekly digest.
- You’ll receive exclusive, never-before-seen-content, distilled and delivered to your inbox every weekend.
- The Weekender: Succinct, solutions-focused, and designed with the discerning reader in mind.
The partners plan to start construction in spring, 2024, bring the new system online in 2025, and operate it for 40 years.
“The proposed project would consist of solar panels, a battery storage system that could store up to 100 megawatts of energy each day, overhead transmission lines to connect the project to the BC Hydro power grid, and access roads,” the news story states. The development must still undergo environmental review, including a 30-day public comment period, but the provincial government accepted Aspen’s initial project description and community engagement plan last week.
Citing an initial plan developed by Canadian Solar, PV Magazine says the project aligns with the British Columbia Clean Energy Act, which calls for the province to generate at least 93% of its electricity from “clean or renewable sources”. The battery system “is intended to help the region cope during times when hydroelectric production is down due to recurring drought conditions,” PV Mag writes, adding that the solar resource is meant to complement the “winter seasonal peaking profiles of hydro and wind power, providing energy security and resilience” to the Okanagan region.
“The early engagement phase of the environmental assessment process now begins, which identifies the key interests, issues and concerns of First Nations, stakeholders and the public,” the province said in a release. “This input helps inform the more detailed proposed project design, including the location of project infrastructure and alternative approaches to the project to address any concerns identified.”
This is good news, but could be more complete. It would be helpful if the cost per Mw were included in the story.
The statement, ‘a battery storage system that could store up to 100 megawatts of energy’ is incorrect. Energy is measured in watt-hours as is the storage of electricity. Watts simply measure power. The difference is significant as backup systems have to rated according to how much time it is expected to be used and at what power output. Generally, battery backup costs about $400 per kilowatt hour.
I would be curious as to who is putting up the money.
That’s a great question, and it crossed my mind (then disappeared, sorry) when we were finalizing the story. In the project documentation, there’s no reference to MWh that I could find.
A map of where the solar project is to be built would also be informative. Good on the Lower Nicola Band👍🏼
Why this location? Why on native land? Nothing in Guelph? Kind of leaves some important questions unanswered. However, the article is interesting and I look forward to regular updates.
They’re a Guelph-based company, but the operate around the world! This location because Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of clean energy development across Canada.