Yukon Energy and First Nations to cooperate on geothermal development
Main Street in Whitehorse, Yukon/ Canada (source: flickr/ Arthur Chapman, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
26 Apr 2011
Three First Nations in the Yukon, in the Northwestern part of Canada, have signed a protocol agreement with Yukon Energy Corp, the territory's public utility on developing geothermal and biomass energy sources.
Reported by CBC in Canada, a First Nation in Yukon Canada, says “it hopes to work more closely with Yukon Energy Corp. on developing geothermal and biomass energy sources, thanks to a new agreement signed this week.
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, along with the Dakwakada Development Corp., has signed a protocol agreement with the territory’s public utility that outlines objectives and areas of common interest.
Champagne and Aishihik Chief James Allen said the agreement allows his First Nation and Yukon Energy to move forward on new and existing projects, creating jobs for First Nation members in the process.
“We have a geothermal project that started last summer and we hope to continue that, but with more of our involvement,” Allen told CBC News on Monday.
Allen said the First Nation, based in Haines Junction, Yukon, also hopes to look into biomass energy sources — namely, the 400,000 hectares of dead trees on its traditional territory.
“The potential for creating energy from this is great, but we have to do it in a safe and acceptable manner,” he said.
Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said the utility is hoping for more partnerships with First Nations, as it continues searching for new energy sources in the territory.
“Yukon Energy’s hope is that we are able to sign similar protocol agreements with other local First Nations,” Patterson said.
Allen said there has not always been a positive relationship between his First Nation and Yukon Energy, due in part to hydroelectric developments on Aishihik Lake.
But Allen said he is now excited with the potential to create renewable energy projects, and more economic activity, on First Nation lands within the next two years.”
Source: CBC
