The First Nations Power Authority is moving away from a proposed biomass project in the Global Transportation Hub of Regina.
CEO Guy Lonechild says the organization has shifted gears to a new endeavour of flare gas development. “I think what we feel at this point in time is that we want to focus our efforts on flare gas and solar. That’s why they’ve [Board of Directors] given me the direction since coming on board is to try to get some wind across the finish line,” Lonechild said.
Lonechild says he feels the flare gas project with the Flying Dust First Nation and SaskPower, which could be worth approximately $300 million over 20 years. That opportunity agreement was signed last Friday, with all parties now looking to negotiate a power purchase agreement.
Lonechild says the GTH biomass project isn’t completely off the table, indicating it’s not high on the priority list. “We would revisit this and see if there are other First Nations who might be interested in a biomass project of that nature. We want to take a closer look at the technology and just ensure that the emissions and any of the types of developments around clearer burning biomass projects could be realized,” Lonechild explained.
The biomass project would have seen an $80 million plant built to burn roughly 350,000 railway ties each year.
(PHOTO: First Nations Power Authority CEO Guy Lonechild signs flare gas opportunity agreement. Photo by Dan Jones)