Wednesday, July 23, 2025
A new solar energy project will provide the Ulkatcho First Nation with clean energy after a combined investment of $15,841,000 from the federal and provincial governments.
Located in Anahim Lake in Central British Columbia (B.C.), the Ulkatcho First Nation’s power is currently 100 per cent diesel generated. After technical studies and a business case were completed, it was determined that solar power was the best alternative energy solution for the community.
The Anahim Lake Solar Project — 100 per cent owned by the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC), a member of Ulkatcho First Nation’s Ulkatcho Group of Companies — will reduce the use of diesel by 64 per cent in this remote community and significantly reduce carbon emissions in the region. This unique project is also a first-of-its-kind initiative in the province of B.C. with a Community Electricity Purchase Agreement in place between UEC and BC Hydro.
“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, Ulkatcho Group of Companies. “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.”
Following the groundbreaking ceremony on June 11, 2025, UEC and BC Hydro are now constructing a hybrid renewable energy system, combining solar power, battery storage, and diesel back-up to provide reliable, clean electricity and reduce the community’s dependence on diesel fuel.
“I am honoured to be involved in this great initiative. Since my first meeting with BC Hydro five years ago, this project has come a long way and will have a very positive impact on our community,” says Chief Nelson (Charlie) Williams of the Ulkatcho First Nation. “Through our Ulkatcho Group of Companies, we are giving our people a cleaner environment and preserving our lands through reducing greenhouse gas emissions on our Traditional Territory. The Ulkatcho First Nation is proud to be a leader in the future of green energy in British Columbia.”
Hatch, as the engineering consultant, completed the solar design for Ulkatcho Energy Corporation. Mark Mitchell, Hatch’s Global Lead, Distribution & Smart Grid commented: “Hatch is proud to be a partner with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation on this project. It truly demonstrates what can be achieved with collaboration between remote first nations communities, public utilities, and private partners. We have been involved since the early conceptual phases in 2020, and we’re honored to have been part of the groundbreaking. This project exemplifies our Hatch guiding principle of solving the world’s toughest challenges—on this project we are pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished in off-grid microgrids.”
This initiative will encompass the development of essential infrastructure such as a solar control building, access roads and walkways, along with fire mitigation measures, security systems, and appropriate signage for the new plant. In a collaborative effort, BC Hydro will procure the generated solar power under a Community Electricity Purchase Agreement. This energy will be seamlessly incorporated into the local microgrid using a line interconnection coupled with a battery storage system, ultimately delivering clean energy to the community.
BC Hydro currently serves 14 remote areas that include many First Nations communities through isolated microgrids that are not connected to the main provincial grid.
For further information about this project, click here.
Featured image credit: Hatch and BC Hydro
