OPG to Develop Renewable Energy Microgrid at Gull Bay FN
March 26, 2018
Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (KZA) / Gull Bay First Nation (GBFN) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) are co-developing a microgrid that will use solar, battery storage and grid technology to help reduce diesel use at KZA.
The microgrid will integrate renewable solar generation, battery storage and micro grid control technology with diesel generators that currently supply the community’s entire energy needs. This project will reduce diesel use in the by approximately 110,000 litres each year which equates to approximately 340 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided annually.
OPG will manage the contractors and oversee the development, design, procurement, regulatory processes, construction, integration, and commissioning of the microgrid. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2018 and be complete by the end of the year. Once operational, KZA will own and operate the microgrid.
OPG has a strong track record in developing and maintaining mutually beneficial working relationships with Indigenous communities in Ontario which create economic opportunities, training and jobs. Past partnerships include Lac Seul First Nation to build the Lac Seul Generating Station (GS) in northwest Ontario, Taykwa Tagamou Nation to build the Peter Sutherland Senior GS on New Post Creek in northeast Ontario, and Moose Cree First Nation on the $2.8 billion Lower Mattagami River Project. OPG currently working with the Six Nations of the Grand River on developing a solar power facility on its former Nanticoke GS site on Lake Erie. This microgrid project is OPG’s fifth development project with an Indigenous community.
