OTTAWA — In a first of it’s kind report, Lumos Clean Energy Advisors has released the results of a national survey of clean energy projects with Indigenous community participation. Indigenous participation in Canada’s burgeoning clean energy economy has risen rapidly over the past two decades in every region of the country.
The survey tracks the economic and social impacts of the projects across Canada that have substantive Indigenous involvement; e.g. ownership, partnership, Impact Benefit Agreements, lease agreements, revenue sharing agreements, etc.
The survey has confirmed Indigenous participation in one hundred and fifty-two (152) medium-large scale solar, wind, hydro and bio-energy clean energy projects now in operation. Many of these projects came online in the past decade. There was a dramatic rise from 26 projects in operation in 2008 to the 152 generating energy today.
Hydroelectric is the most dominant resource for Indigenous renewable energy projects, comprising 63 per cent of all Indigenous clean energy projects, while wind power accounts for another 24 per cent of projects. The remaining 13 per cent are split between various technologies. Eight biomass electricity projects were included in the Lumos survey.
These projects represent nearly one fifth of Canada’s overall power production infrastructure.
Lumos Energy projects that an additional fifty to sixty (50-60) medium-large renewable energy projects with Indigenous participation will come on line over the next five to six (5-6) years.
Participation in clean energy projects can carry significant financial, employment, and social benefits for communities involved.
Indigenous clean energy projects affirm Indigenous rights, and the sustainable, ecologically-positive nature of renewable clean energy resonates with First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and traditions, Lumos reports.
The authors also comment that such respect-oriented relationships can strengthen the economic basis for healthy communities, long term prosperity, and sustainable livelihoods.
Read the full report here.