Tilley Solar

Sector(s)

Clean Power, Indigenous Infrastructure

Region(s)

Newell, Alberta

Investment

$33 million
(Project complete)

Partner(s)

Alexander First Nation, First Nation Power Development Inc., Concord Green Energy

Public impact(s)

↓14,200 t CO2e annually

Sector(s)

Clean Power, Indigenous Infrastructure

Region(s)

Newell, Alberta

Investment

$33 million
(Project complete)

Partner(s)

Alexander First Nation, First Nation Power Development Inc., Concord Green Energy

Public impact(s)

↓14,200 t CO2e annually

Advancing meaningful First Nation leadership in the energy transition

Solar facility partnership supports economic reconciliation and First Nation ownership in clean power

Hillary Thatcher alongside partners at the Tilley Solar announcement at Concord’s office in Vancouver

Aerial view of big sustainable electric power plan

Alexander First Nation

I would like to thank the CIB for their tremendous support and dedication to the Tilley Solar Project. This signifies the economic viability of the project for our Nation for many years to come. With that comes long-term careers/jobs for our Nation members, consistent revenue for the Nation, and our footprint into the green energy space. I would also like to thank and congratulate Alexander Business Centre, First Nation Power Development, and Concord Green Energy for their unwavering hard work and commitment to bring this project into fruition. I am beyond excited to see the end product as a green energy source which is important to us as First Nations people who are stewards of the land. Hiy hiy

Chief George Arcand Jr

Alexander Business Corporation

It is with great pride that we were able to complete this investment that will generate a consistent revenue stream for our Nation over the next 30 years. I want to thank our partners – the CIB for their tremendous support and commitment to ensuring this investment would be financially viable for our Nation, First Nation Power Development for all their hard work to pull this project together and for including Alexander First Nation, and Concord Green Energy and Concord Pacific for their commitment to ensuring this project is majority owned by its First Nations Partners and for providing the financial support we needed. We look forward to more clean energy projects as we see combining environmental stewardship and economic participation as the future business model for our Nation.

Ian Arcand, Chief Executive Officer

First Nation Power Development

Having worked for First Nation communities over the last 15 years, it’s been incredible to witness the evolution in economic participation. The Alexander First Nation and Alexander Business Corp demonstrate that First Nations people can create their own methods for meaningful economic participation, especially in emerging industries like the renewable energy sector. For this project we were very fortunate to have met an industry partner that understands the importance of inclusion and how to build meaningful relationships; Concord Green Energy is setting the bar for economic reconciliation within the energy industry. Most importantly, the partnership would not have been possible without the support of the Canada Infrastructure Bank who are truly looking out for the interests of the Indigenous partners.

Firman Latimer, Chief Executive Officer

Concord Pacific Group

This great partnership with Chief George Arcand and the Alexander First Nation is our second major solar project with Alberta First Nations. We have been seeing this sector grow in Alberta and look to scale up on more projects in solar and hydro like Amisk Hydroelectric on the Peace River.

Terry Hui, President and Chief Executive Officer

Fast facts

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 14,200 t/annually

69,450 fixed-tilt solar photovoltaic panels connected to Alberta’s electricity grid

Generated more than 150 jobs during construction

The CIB invested in the 23.6-megawatt Tilley Solar project located 200 km southeast of Calgary in Newell, Alberta on Treaty 7 territory.

Through the CIB’s partnership with the Alexander First Nation, First Nation Power Development, and Concord Green Energy, the large-scale energy project supports long-term socio-economic benefits for the Nation and their partners.

Construction of the solar facility generated more than 150 full-time jobs at peak, creating new opportunities for the First Nations.

Benefits of the CIB’s involvement

Through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII), we are investing in projects in partnership with Indigenous communities. The $52 million project, enabled by CIB financing, includes the economic interests of the Alexander First Nation and First Nation Power Development, an Indigenous-owned organization dedicated to empowering First Nation community ownership and participation in the emerging renewable energy industry.

The First Nations’ investment is generating returns for the community which can be re-invested into other economic development projects.

The CIB’s collective approach to project development with the project partners sets an example for future partnerships of Indigenous ownership of renewable projects that can be replicated across Canada.

Learn more

CIB News Release

Disclaimer: The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) in its sole and absolute discretion may choose to make available amendments, revisions, modifications, or replacements to this website. This page will remain open for further revision, modification, replacement or cancellation by the CIB at any time and in no event shall the CIB be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on the content of this website. Images courtesy of Concord.