With the City of Prince Rupert announcing today of its plans with a number of stakeholders to move forward on a project that could see Wind power provide an assist towards the development of local hydrogen at the Watson Island site.
In their announcement released this afternoon, it was revealed that:
The City of Prince Rupert, Lax Kw’alaams, Metlakatla, and the City’s Prince Rupert Legacy Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pattern Energy to pursue the development of local renewable energy in the region as a whole.
This agreement commits to looking at opportunities for potential economic benefit for the Coast Ts’msyen and the City, and explicitly recognizes their Aboriginal Rights and Title.
Outoing Mayor Lee Brain noted of opportunities that the arrangement with Pattern Energy provides.“This agreement is a commitment from local partners to grow and diversify our economy within a sustainable footprint, with equitable outcomes.
As a coastal community, Rupertites value our natural environment, so we want the industry we pursue to support those values going forward.
Pattern is an industry leader in renewables, and we are extremely hopeful about all of the potential opportunities this development can bring for the North Coast.”
A statement from the Lax Kw'alaams Band also expressed some enthusiasm for the proposed venture.
"Lax Kw'alaams Band is very excited about the opportunity to participate in this potential development and moreso to participate in the global green energy industry.
We see huge potential in working with a leading energy producer like Pattern Energy."
Pattern Energy has experience in the development of over 10 wind projects across Canada, along with a footprint in the USA and Asia, the company is majority owned by the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board.
As part of today's information release Frank Davis, AVP Green Hydrogen and Canada Country Head for Pattern Energy noted of the potential for development of a green hydrogen facility that the partnerships could see come from the Memorandum of Understanding signed today.
“Pattern Energy is excited to work with the City of Prince Rupert to unlock the enormous potential for a world-class green hydrogen facility at one of Canada’s largest ports. Green hydrogen is the new frontier that will lead the world’s growing commitment to clean energy.
Together with Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations, the City of Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert Legacy, BC Hydro, and the Province of British Columbia, we have the opportunity to create good-paying local jobs and enhance BC’s economy.
Pattern Energy is a Sustaining Partner with the First Nations Major Project Coalition, and supporting Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations is our priority because we are stronger together.”
The Pattern website provides an ineractive map that provides a look at some of their projects in North America.
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| If all goes well, Prince Rupert may soon be a point on the Pattern map, the Renewable Energy corporation has entered into an MOU With the City and local First Nations towards a proposed development for the Watson Island Industrial site |
With the agreement in place, the stakeholders in the initiative will be moving ahead with a Working Group to assess the particulars of how much and the type of energy needed to supply a hydrogen development, opportunities for mutual benefit, and how the North Coast can engage in the global green energy production and trade.
As he makes his way out the door at City Hall, Mr. Brain provided a snapshot of his enthusiasm for the proposal through his social media page.
No details on what the proposed development may look like, or what kind of a timeline may be in mind towards the completion of the project were outlined as part of today's information release.
Nor were any financial details, such as any cost for the city, or the First Nations involved, explored as part of the outline of the plans ahead.
The initiative would be major step forward for the Industrial site, as well as one that will generate jobs in addition to energy, as well as to provide a boost to the local economy should it move forward from its introduction today.
City Council members will have their first opportunity to speak to the prospects at Monday's City Council session, the first one for the incoming council elected on October 15th.
You can explore the City's advisory for the public from the City of Prince Rupert website.
More notes on past initiatives for the Watson Island site can be reviewed here.
A wider overview of past City Council discussion themes can be explored through our archive page.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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