Yukon newspaper The Narwhal reported in May that the territory’s largest solar project had received a green light from the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board.
Construction on White River First Nation’s 1.9 MW solar array, backed by a 4 MWh battery, was to move ahead at the end of June (timed to avoid the mating season of sharp-tailed grouse). Renewable energy from the facility will replace some 60% of current diesel fuel usage in the community of Beaver Creek. Completion is expected in 2021. Power is to be sold to ATCO electric, the community’s power distributor.
The proposed life cycle of the Project is 25 years, upon which the PV array is expected to be upgraded with additional panels.