Mashkawiziiwin Energy

Canada’s Game Changer: Off-grid diesel reduction to energy sovereignty

 

The Gull Bay First Nation Micro Grid Project will be Canada’s FIRST fully-integrated remote renewable energy-storage micro grid! The Micro Grid project is showcasing innovative technology and integration with its combination of solar photovoltaic power, battery energy storage, and a micro grid controller connecting to the existing Hydro One Remotes diesel generating station to provide clean solar power and off-set diesel use. Switching from diesel to solar power in a seemingly smooth transition with the integration of lithium-ion battery energy storage micro grid technology. When the sun is shining, the Community will be powered by Sun and the diesel generators will switch off reducing approximately 110,000 litres or 25% if diesel fuel a year.

 

Coordinated through an Indigenous Clean Energy Planning (ICEP) Process, directed by Chief and Council, with the support of the Mashkawiziiwin Energy Projects Team and Lumos Energy, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) are GBFN’s project development partners  and have procured Alltrade Industrial as the general contractor and constructor for the Project. Other collaborators include Hydro One Remote Community Inc. (Remotes), MaRS Advances Energy Center, ABB Inc., and DNV GL (Alltrade’s Engineer).

 

The project cost is approximately $8-9 Million dollars and will receive funding support from various government and private sources to offset project costs including; Ontario Smart Grid Fund, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Energy Partnerships Program, and the LDC Tomorrow Fund.

 

This project is a source of pride for Gull Bay First Nation knowing their future will be cleaner and the Next Generations will have clean energy technology in their home.

 

KZA-GBFN’s primary will remain diesel UNTIL enough different green energy sources exceed the current diesel generation stations capacity output.

 

What is the Project?

The Project involves a micro grid controller that integrates energy production from solar panels and a battery energy storage system with the existing diesel distribution system. The micro grid controller will balance generation and energy storage to reduce diesel use in the community.

 

Who is proposing the Project and how will it be developed?

Coordinated through an Indigenous Community Energy Planning (ICEP) process, directed by Chief and Council, with the support of the Mashkawiziiwin Energy Projects Coordinator and Lumos energy, KZA’s energy advisor

OPG will act as development partner for the Project, along with the support of various technical firms

KZA’s development corporation Ma’iingan Development Inc. (MDI) is expected to own the micro grid Project once it is complete and operational

 

Who else is involved in the Project?

Parties collaborating together who are providing in-kind contributions include;

 

Why is the Project being built now?

The Minister of Energy directed the IESO to explore diesel offsetting generating opportunities in collaboration remote First Nation communities, including KZA, which is not expected to be connected to the broader Ontario grid. Reducing diesel dependence is aligned with Ministry of Energy policy, Ontario’s Long Term Energy Plan and Climate Change Mitigation Policy.

 

Who is funding the Project?

The Project will be receiving funding support from various government and private sources to offset Project costs including; Ontario Smart Grid Fund, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Energy Partnerships Program and the LDC Tomorrow Fund.

 

How much will the Project cost?

Expected cost is approximately $8-9 million dollars.

 

What are the benefits to the community?

 

What kind of economic development opportunities will the micro grid create for KZA members and businesses?

 

Will the micro grid reduce electricity costs in the community?

No, electricity rates will not be affected. MDI will be paid for the renewable clean energy that the micro grid delivers to the KZA community. After paying operating costs, MDI, which is wholly owned by KZA, can use profits to benefit the community.

 

What permits are required to build the micro grid on KZA reserve land?

The project worked with INAC to secure a permit to access lands to develop and construct the micro grid Project. KZA Chief and Council have signed a band council resolution to authorize the Minister to issue a permit on behalf of KZA.

 

What are the impacts on land where the Project will be built?

An environmental assessment approval from INAC was received. The report studied: flora, fauna, species at risk, water bodies, air, noise, dust, archaeology, socioeconomics, geotech and hazardous waste management and found the project will cause no significant impacts. Environment commitments have been accepted by INAC and the Project’s general contractor.

 

How will the Project be connected to the local distribution system?

The Project will be physically connected to the existing diesel generating station such that both systems can communicate with each other through several control interfaces.

 

How long will the micro grid last?

The micro grid is expected to have a 20-year design life with regular maintenance, servicing and battery replacements.

 

What do you mean by “Canada’s first fully-integrated remote renewable energy-storage micro grid”?

Equipment will be checked routinely and there will be maintenance requirements for the solar panels and battery (e.g. clearing snow off panels & access roads, trouble-shooting lights, installing heating/ventilation filters, vegetation management). More extensive maintenance will be outsourced.

 

What about health, safety and security during construction?

A Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan and Environmental Management Plan outlines preventive commitments the general contractor must follow.

 

Can KZA expand the system later, or add more renewable to the community?

Yes, KZA can expand the system after it is operational and may add more renewables later.