Eagle Hill Energy Limited Partnership
Published October 5, 2023
Eagle Hill Energy LP's four new turbines overlook Whitehorse from the top of Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw in Kwanlin Dün First Nation's Traditional Territory. PHOTO: Green Cat Renewables Canada
Eagle Hill Energy LP (EHELP) celebrated a significant milestone and step forward in sustainable energy production this week with the completed construction of the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project.
Four new turbines overlooking Whitehorse will power up to 650 Yukon homes per year. They will produce the clean energy equivalent of 40 million litres of diesel fuel, which helps offset rising carbon emissions in the Yukon. The injection of clean winter energy will help Yukoners power their homes in the winter when they need it most.
Located within the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, this landmark 4 MW wind turbine project is the first 100% Indigenous-owned wind energy initiative in northern Canada. It represents an important step forward for reconciliation and climate action.
“Long ago, cultural knowledge shared by elders told of how Kwanlin Dün citizens have harvested energy from the land and water for the people’s needs for thousands of years," said Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief Sean Smith, "based on those traditional values, Kwanlin Dün continues that important relationship with the land and water to create energy our communities use year-round but in a new and responsible way.”
Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith (far right) announces the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project completion at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on October 3rd. He is joined onstage by CNLP Director and EHELP Board Member Les Wilson, former KDFN Chief and CNLP CEO Rick O'Brien, and KDFN Councillors Linda Moen, Charlene Charlie, and Jolene Smarch (right to left). PHOTO: Northern Energy Capital
The successful conclusion of the construction and installation phase, achieved on time and on budget, brings the Yukon closer to a clean energy future powered by renewable energy sources. The project is on schedule to begin exporting renewable energy to the Yukon Grid later this fall as part of Yukon government’s Independent Power Production Policy’s Standing Offer Program.
"The Project is a model of how First Nations, federal, and territorial governments can work together to diversify and expand the sources of the clean energy our territory needs to grow," said Minister of Yukon Energy, Mines, and Resources, John Streicker, "we extend our sincere congratulations to Kwanlin Dün First Nation for this monumental contribution to a more sustainable future."
NEC team members Chris Lentz, Dana May, and James Griffiths (left to right) visit the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project site along with guests from the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 3rd. Three of the four new wind turbines are visible in the background, along with EHELP's new interpretive sign, designed in part by KDFN artist Terrence "Cory" Shorty.
PHOTO: Northern Energy Capital
Manufactured by EWT, the new turbines are adapted to withstand the Yukon's harsh northern environment and increase winter energy production. Compared to the previous turbines on Haeckel Hill, the new turbines are taller with longer blades to harness more wind energy and have de-icing technology built into the blades to prevent ice build-up from inhibiting power generation.
"By using the latest advancements in cold-climate wind turbine technology, this innovative project provides a valuable source of clean winter energy today and drives research and innovation for wind to play a larger role in the Yukon’s clean energy future,” said Malek Tawashy, Director of Eagle Hill Energy LP.
As the Development Manager for the project, Northern Energy Capital would like to thank the many project partners who helped bring this vision to life, including Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Chu Níikwän LP, Green Cat Renewables Canada, NGC Builders, Emergya Wind Technologies (EWT), DSV Global Transport & Logistics, Yukon Energy Corporation, and ATCO Electric Yukon.
We would also like to thank the funders who supported this project, including the Arctic Energy Fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program (CERRC), and the in-kind contributions from Eagle Hill Energy LP.
About Eagle Hill Energy LP (EHELP)
Eagle Hill Energy LP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chu Níikwän Limited Partnership (CNLP), the development corporation of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. CNLP works to grow the equity and resources of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation by investing in strategic opportunities to generate wealth for the future benefit of all citizens. The name Eagle Hill Energy is a reference to the traditional Kwanlin Dün place name for the hill known today as Haeckel Hill. As told by KDFN Elder Louie Smith, the mountain was traditionally known as Thay T’äw, or “Golden Eagle Nest,” in Southern Tutchone, named for the giant golden eagle that made its nest on the summit.
About Northern Energy Capital (NEC)
Northern Energy Capital is a renewable energy development company, established in 2015, dedicated to empowering northern and remote communities in their transition from fossil fuel consumption to clean energy asset ownership. NEC is the development partner of choice for off-grid and remote communities that seek to achieve energy independence through locally owned and locally produced renewable energy.
Are you interested in working with Northern Energy Capital on your next renewable energy project? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at contact@northernenergycapital.com or 250-213-8185 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your energy goals.