The government of Canada will invest $40,5 million in an indigenous-led geothermal project; the Clarke Lake Geothermal Development, which will use mid-grade geothermal heat to nearly 14,000 Canadian households.
Firstly, the Clarke Lake Facility is under construction in the Clarke Lake gas field, in British Columbia. It will produce up to 15 megawatts of power. This input will displace use of fossil fuels in the region, preventing the emissions of nearly 25,000 tons of greenhouse gas per year.
Secondly, the investment comes as the government intends to invigorate local economies, drive job creation and curb pollution; with a particular approach towards indigenous and northern communities.
Thirdly, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, Seamus O’Regan Jr. contributed with the $40,5 million mentioned above. Such figure comes out of several Clean Energy federal programs recently strengthened as a result of climate change efforts.
In fact, federal government wasn’t the only contributor; also, Natural Resources Canada invested $38,5 million for resource assessment, from the Emerging Renewables Power Program; which commits $200 million to expand the portfolio of commercially viable renewable energy sources.
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Moreover, the program above, is part of a larger one, called Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which commits $180 billion for public transit projects; green infrastructure, social infrastructure; also, trade and transportation routes on Canada’s rural and northern communities.
In addition, the Government of British Columbia invested $1 million to the project; including $430,000 through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, which also supports Indigenous-led participation in the clean energy sector.
On the other hand, Seamus O’Regan Jr, said. “Geothermal will help northern and remote communities use less diesel and more of this new clean energy technology. This is how we get to net-zero.”
Finally, Chief Sharleen GaleFort Nelson First Nation, stated. “The Clarke Lake Geothermal Project represents Fort Nelson First Nation’s drive toward creating a sustainable economy for our People; also, one that strikes a balance between the environment and the economy. In conclusion, our work to get this historic project off the ground demonstrates what Indigenous leadership toward net-zero project development looks like.
