West Moberly First Nations and Natural Forces are celebrating Earth Day with a newly-commissioned wind project. The Zonnebeke Energy Project is now supplying clean, renewable energy to British Columbia and consists of four turbines with a capacity of 15MW. It is located in the Peace River Regional District of Northeastern British Columbia, 16km south of Chetwynd and 9km west of Lone Prairie. The project will produce enough energy to power 5,800 homes.
The project was developed as a partnership between West Moberly First Nations and Natural Forces, and was developed in tandem with a separate, nearby project, Sukunka Energy Project, which is a partnership between Saulteau First Nations and Natural Forces.
“The Zonnebeke project exemplifies the truly clean renewable energy the world needs to move forward,” said Chief Roland Willson. “It is through business partnerships and relationships like this that First Nations can and will develop true sustainable opportunities which in-turn enable the Nations to grow and prosper.”
“Working with Chief Willson and his colleagues has been a fantastic experience,” said John Brereton, President at Natural Forces. “We are very grateful to have been part of this project that will generate clean, emission-free electricity in British Columbia and deliver economic prosperity to our partners at West Moberly First Nations.”
In July, 2019, West Moberly and Natural Forces signed an Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro which allowed for the sale of renewable energy generated from a five-turbine wind energy project.
“We’re pleased the Zonnebeke Energy Project will add to BC Hydro’s clean, renewable electricity supply and help to power thousands of homes in B.C.,” said BC Hydro President and CEO Chris O’Riley. “We are committed to building and maintaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous groups, including the West Moberly First Nations, and this project is an example of that.”
West Moberly First Nations is an indigenous community in Northeastern British Columbia whose mission is to positively enhance the procession of West Moberly First Nations ethics with respect, honesty, fairness, integrity, and self motivation by promoting open communication with members, Chief & Council and staff. Natural Forces is a unique maritime based private independent power producer that delivers renewable energy projects in partnership with local communities across Canada, the United States and Ireland.
