A hydro-electric project on First Nation territory along the North Saskatchewan River is forecasted to produce power at competitive rates for the rest of the century. The James Smith Cree Nation, Tesla Energy Institute and AECOM Canada Ltd. signed an MOU last week to bring the project to fruition.
The proposed 200-250 megawatt facility will meet greenhouse gas reduction goals while generated jobs for Indigenous people and residents of Saskatchewan.
“Our collaboration in good faith is focused on paving the way to achieve sustainable economic and business development, full-time long term employment of our members and capacity building projects for James Smith Cree Nation and its members,” said Chief Wally Burns.
For years, the Pehonan Hydro-electric project has been on the table. The Nation’s recent partnership with the Tesla Energy Institute — which serves to conduct applied research, development, innovation and market commercialization of breakthrough technologies — will help move the needle forward.
“This opportunity is a long-time dream and intention of James Smith Cree Nation, to build and operate hydropower plant on Indigenous land is of the utmost importance for all treaty people, we are extending open invitation to all businesses and provincial and federal government to be part of this venture for the benefits of all.”
Tesla Energy Institute will focus on economic development opportunities and research for the Pehonan Hydro-electric project. “We strive for innovative, alternative and flexible approaches to create ways that empower people and communities globally,” said Tesla Energy President and CEO Dragan Racic in a prepared statement.
