Canada’s Largest Off-Grid Solar Project, 100% owned by a First Nation, Breaks Ground in Anahim Lake, Powering Ulkatcho First Nation’s Energy Future

Press Release

Anahim Lake, British Columbia, June 11, 2025 — The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) is holding a traditional groundbreaking ceremony with the start of construction of the largest off-grid solar project in Canada

The Anahim Lake Solar Project, 100% owned by the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) – a member of Ulkatcho First Nation’s Ulkatcho Group of Companies (UGoC), will reduce the use of diesel by 64% 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 BC with a Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) in place between UEC and BC Hydro.

The Ulkatcho Group of Companies is transforming the industrial land of its old sawmill site to construct the solar farm. The project also includes the construction of new access roads, a control and monitoring facility, site fire management, signage, and security.

The UGoC has developed collaborative relationships for this and other projects with a number of regional, provincial, national, and international companies and organizations. The Ulkatcho Group of Companies and Ulkatcho Energy Corporation are sincerely grateful to the Ulkatcho First Nation community, all the Federal and Provincial funding agencies for their support, and all of its alliance partners and other collaborators for their invaluable assistance.

The Anahim Lake Solar Project is a stride towards sustainable and green energy, resilience, and economic opportunity. The project represents a new kind of opportunity for First Nation communities, governments, and corporations to work together.

Quotes

“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. Through our Ulkatcho Group of Companies, we are giving our people a cleaner environment and preserving our lands through reducing green-house 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”

Chief Charlie Williams, Ulkatcho First Nation

“We are proud to be part of this important milestone, helping the Ulkatcho First Nation transition from diesel to sustainable solar energy. This project underscores the federal government’s

​commitment to supporting green energy initiatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing reconciliation.”

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna, and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

“This is what bold, community-led action looks like. The Anahim Lake Solar Project — now Canada’s largest off-grid solar initiative — marks a major step forward in reducing emissions, strengthening local economies, and advancing economic reconciliation. With construction now underway, we’re proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we’re doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson , Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“BC Hydro is driving renewable energy innovation in remote communities by bringing leading edge technology into the Anahim Lake Station and investing in advanced battery storage and microgrid technology. Our collaboration with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation not only sets the foundation for future partnerships with First Nations across the province but also underscores BC Hydro’s commitment to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives – ensuring reliable, sustainable power for generations to come.”

Chris O’Riley, President and CEO, BC Hydro

“As Canada strives towards its commitments to mitigate the effects of Climate Change, the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation sees this as an excellent opportunity – not only to diversify the activities of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies, but also to play a critical role in ultimately displacing the use of diesel and generating clean electricity for the Community. The Anahim Lake Solar Project is truly a model of meaningful Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCP) for today’s much-needed sustainable resource development across Canada, with Muli-Inputs Area Development (MIAD), through Blended Financing.”

Al-Nashir Jamal, Chairman of the Board, Ulkatcho Group of Companies

“This solar project in Anahim Lake marks a new path for the Ulkatcho First Nation, creating significant lasting environmental and economic benefits. 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 & private sectors in this process.”

Stephen James, CEO Ulkatcho Group of Companies

Contact

For inquiries, please contact:

Ulkatcho Group of Companies

Stephen James, CEO
sjames@ykwf.ca

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