Explore resources and information on how to plan and advance clean energy projects.
Overview
Clean energy projects generate electricity using renewable resources such as solar, wind, hydro, ocean, biomass, and geothermal that produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions. These projects have the potential to deliver a host of benefits to First Nations communities, including reducing dependence on fossil fuels, stimulating local economic growth, improving energy security, and supporting self-determination goals.
The Clean Energy Project Development Resource Hub includes a variety of resources to help First Nations Plan and advance clean energy projects. Resources for each project development stage can be found in the Clean Energy Project Development Lifecycle section. Comprehensive guides and resources for other relevant topics such as capacity building, funding, and financing can be found in the Resource Library section.
Note: This webpage contains links to documents and resources that are intended for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information on this webpage as a basis for making any business, legal, or any other decisions. As you read through the resources, consider which information is most relevant and beneficial for your community and project. Please note that some resources may have outdated information or hyperlinks.
Clean Energy Project Development Lifecycle
Clean energy projects go through several phases before they are ready for construction, this is often referred to as the project development lifecycle. Early phases can include completing a Community Energy Plan, undertaking feasibility studies to determine technology type and project size, engaging with community members, and assembling the project team. Proponents of clean energy projects must also meet technical, commercial, and permitting requirements to develop a project. These later phases include completing engineering and scientific studies, demonstrating the viability of project to potential investors to secure funding, and preparing bids and commercial contractors for project construction.
This section provides an overview of the key considerations for each project phase in the clean energy project development lifecycle. It is intended to provide high-level information, rather than detailed instructions for developing a clean energy project.More comprehensive and detailed guidance can be found in the Project Development Guides & Resources section, as well as in other resources linked throughout the webpage. Please note that some stages may overlap with each other during the project development process.
Not sure where to start?ACommunity Energy Plan(CEP) is a great tool to understand current energy usage and chart a path towards achieving the community’s energy and emission reduction goals.
A Community Energy Plan (CEP) can be used at the start of a clean energy project to serve as a roadmap for the community to chart its energy future. A CEP is a long-term plan toward achieving the community’s future energy needs, while improving efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering community-led energy solutions. A CEP is intended to be a living document and should be updated regularly with input from key stakeholders, and as the energy landscape evolves.
Key Considerations:
Exploring current and future energy systems
Understanding a First Nation’s energy goals and values
Incorporating community input through engagement
Identifying employment and capacity building opportunities
The concept and feasibility stage lays the groundwork for a project and is essential in the development process. The primary objectives are to identify viable clean energy resources and energy yields, evaluate the site and grid connectivity, and assess the economic and technical feasibility of the project. At this stage, proponents will also identify resources needed for project development, including funding and technical/legal expertise on the project team. When developing a project, proponents may need to apply to the different funders and get funds for different parts of the project.
Key Considerations:
Assembling the project team
Determining training or capacity building needs for staff and community members
Determining the clean energy technology to develop based on the CEP and/or desktop resource analysis
Assessing potential project sites
Checking in with the utility provider on grid connectivity or on integrating clean energy from community-led projects into microgrids (for Non-Integrated Areas)
Determining resources needed for project development and submitting applications for funding and/or financing (if required)
Completing pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to examine technical, environmental, and economic feasibility
Developing a robust community engagement plan, building upon the CEP
Confirming whether community leadership is supportive of the project
This stage advances project design to a place where proponents can begin to apply for permits and regulatory approvals. Proponents will also begin exploring partnerships and ownership models, conducting community engagement, and building relationships with regulatory agencies, funders, investors, and lenders.
Key Considerations:
Completing preliminary project design, engineering, environmental studies, and risk assessment
Initiating discussions with regulatory agencies to identify permitting requirements, processes, and timelines
Initiating discussions with potential funders, investors, and lenders
Determining ownership model and partnerships
Developing a business case and preliminary cost estimate
Clean energy projects have permitting and regulatory requirements at the municipal, provincial, and federal level that must be achieved to proceed to the construction. These requirements vary based on the clean energy resource, project size, and other factors such as environmental impacts. Before submitting an application for a clean energy project, proponents are encouraged to meet with regulatory agencies to introduce their project concept and to build an understanding of the regulatory framework. Early engagement can support efficient planning and help identify and plan sufficient time for any subsequent application processing based on the specifics of the proposal.
Key Considerations:
Applying for and obtaining permits and licences (including those necessary to create a Development Plan as required by the B.C. government)
Initiating discussions with First Nations and other parties that may have overlapping interests
Completing a provincial environmental assessment and/or federal impact assessment (if required – major projects only)
If the project needs to connect to an electricity grid, then interconnection studies will need to be completed to investigate the impact and costs of connecting to the utility’s electrical system. Getting in touch with the utility as early as possible is essential as some interconnection studies are initiated at the feasibility stage. Detailed technical studies are conducted later in the project development process and may take up to a year.
Proponents that plan to generate and sell their power will need to submit an application to the utility and in some cases obtain an electricity purchase agreement. There are several programs that utilities offer. Remote communities not connected to the integrated electrical system, for example, those in Non-Integrated Areas (NIAs) may work with BC Hydro on a bilateral basis on resource assessment and energy requirements.
Key Considerations:
Timeline and costs for completing interconnection studies
Preparing applications for generating/selling power (if applicable, may be competitive and have an application window)
This stage prepares the project to be construction ready. It involves completing the final design and engineering, finalizing the business case, and securing funding and financing for the construction phase.
Key Considerations:
Preparing cost estimates, project budget, detailed project schedule, an operations & maintenance plan, and other relevant documentation in advance of funding applications
Preparing applications for financing and funding
Completing the detailed design and final engineering for the project
Finalizing the business case, cost estimate, project schedule, and other key documentation such as construction plans
Developing a media and communications strategy
Negotiating and establishing contracts and/or legal agreements, including (as applicable) funding agreements, loan agreements, land use agreements, and electricity purchase agreement
Completing pre-construction activities such as site preparation
Running a competitive procurement process for equipment and construction services
The following section includes a collection of resources to help develop and implement clean energy projects. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and some resources may have outdated information or hyperlinks.
Clean Energy Production in B.C. Developed by the B.C. Government to guide the development of Independent Power Projects in B.C. This document remains in draft form until it can be modified to adapt to the BCER regulating wind and solar projects (note: this resource may have outdated information or hyperlinks – use at your own discretion)
B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Toolkit (2015) Developed by Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers for the B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Working Group in 2015 to assist First Nations in understanding the kinds of clean/renewable energy there are, how to begin looking into doing a clean energy project, and where to find resources (note: this resource may have outdated information or hyperlinks – use at your own discretion. The resource was developed based on BC Hydro’s previous Standing Offer Program)
Training & Capacity Building
CFN-GBI Indigenous Climate Action Network Offers funding for eligible remote Indigenous communities to hire full-time Climate Action Coordinators (CACs), as well as individual and peer network supports
Indigenous Clean Energy ImaGENation Program 8-month program that provides a culturally embedded ecosystem of support to Indigenous youth to plan and implement a clean energy project
BEAHR Indigenous Training Programs Offers certificate training programs for local environmental coordination, land use planning, and energy management
Clean BC Funding Finder Tool Tool to help find funding opportunities for community climate action projects in B.C.
Steps to a Successful Grant Application Guide by the Community Energy Association on how to prepare a grant application for community energy and climate change initiatives
Community Energy Finance Navigator Learn how communities are funding clean energy projects, and how financing and ownership models shape outcomes
BC Hydro Solar and Battery Storage Rebates Learn about BC Hydro rebates on eligible solar panels and paired battery storage systems (100kW or less in size) in residential homes and businesses
Financing for Clean Energy Projects
First Nations Equity Financing Program (FNEFP) Provides provincial loan guarantees that support First Nations in B.C. to secure equity ownership in new and incremental revenue-generating projects within their traditional territories
Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) Offers low-cost and long-term loans to Indigenous infrastructure projects that fall within at least one of the CIB’s priority sectors. For more information about clean energy projects, please contact CIB directly.
All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) Provides business financing, loans, commercial mortgages and advisory services for Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities
New Relationship Trust (NRT) is a BC-based Indigenous-led nonprofit. Your partnership helps fund First Nations initiatives across BC. Whether you represent a First Nations community, an organization, or are an individual who wants to support meaningful change, you can make a difference.
