Providing environmental assessment, permitting, and regulatory support to sustainably expand an existing hydropower plant

Atlin Hydro Expansion - Assessment, Permitting, and Regulatory Support

As a remote community in northern British Columbia, Atlin experiences a harsh environment with limited local resources, especially when it comes to generating electricity. Our client recognized the potential to further develop their existing hydroelectric offerings. In addition to expanding hydropower generation, they could deliver renewable energy to other Tlingit people and neighboring Yukon communities. They engaged us to help.

We provided environmental assessment, permitting, and regulatory support for a sustainable expansion of the existing hydropower plant. The proposed solution stores most of the spring meltwater and summer rain in a nearby natural lake so the water then can be used primarily during the winter months to make power—which is of the greatest value to the Yukon.

The project is 100 percent owned and operated by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. This business model provides significant community investment and continued opportunities for First Nations business development, including training programs, job opportunities, and a source of revenue to the community for socio-cultural programs.

Generation enhancements are expected to result in 9 megawatts (MW) of new capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. A new transmission line will also connect the project to the Yukon grid.