 | 10/18/2013 | Wataynikaneyap, Aecom partner for new transmission line construction in Northwestern Ontario |
Wataynikaneyap Power has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aecom Technology-led team for construction of a new transmission line project in Northwestern Ontario, Canada.
Comprising PowerTel and Deutsche Bank, the Aecom-team will provide design, construction and financial services for the line, which will partly be owned and operated by a yet-to-be selected qualified, licensed transmission partner.
Wataynikaneyap Power chair Margaret Kenequanash said the company aims for grid connection of remote communities and the elimination of reliance on diesel generation.
''There are many health, safety, and environmental concerns with diesel generation, and it does not meet the needs of our communities. Grid connection will change that, and our partnership will provide the necessary expertise to move this important infrastructure project forward,'' Kenequanash added.
Aecom chairman and chief executive officer John Dionisio said, ''We look forward to leveraging AECOM's expertise while participating in this important project, which is projected to benefit communities by enabling economic development and providing opportunities for employment and environmental improvement once operational.''
The project's first phase covers construction of a new transmission line to Pickle Lake, Ontario, while the second phase focuses on connecting remote First Nations communities to the provincial power grid.
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| 4/11/2013 | Transmission line project takes another step forward |
In a signing last week that marked another step towards building an electricity transmission line to Pickle Lake and then connecting 10 remote First Nations to the southern electrical grid, 13 northwestern Ontario First Nations joined Goldcorp to officially incorporate Wataynikaneyap Power.
The April 4 announcement comes as pre-development on phase one of the project – a 300 km line to Pickle Lake that will replace an existing, insufficient line – continues and Wataynikaneyap Power works towards starting construction on phase one of the project in 2014.
Margaret Kenequanash, a steering committee member for Wataynikaneyap Power, said the announcement represents the establishment of a formal structure that will facilitate the next steps of the project.
“It’s a huge project, and quite exciting,” Kenequanash said. “Our mandate is to ensure electricity connection to remote communities, to meet the great need for improved energy for the communities.”
Kenequanash noted that many of the communities are at capacity with diesel generators, which limits their ability to build much-needed homes, businesses and other developments.
While 10 communities are targeted for connection as part of the second phase of the project, up to 21 communities could be connected in the future if plans to expand the lines east and west go through.
According to a press release by Wataynikaneyap, Ontario’s 25 remote communities burn approximately 25 million litres of diesel fuel per year to generate electricity. The cost of this diesel generation has been estimated at approximately $68 million annually. In the long term, a new transmission line would cost significantly less than continued diesel generation.
Goldcorp’s involvement in the project has focused on bringing a new electricity line to Pickle Lake, where it could connect to its Musslewhite gold mine. The existing line to Pickle Lake does not have enough capacity for the northern communities. It also is subject to frequent power outages, which disrupt operations at the mine.
“Wataynikaneyap Power is an example of how industry and First Nations can work together on projects that are good for the economy and the environment while benefitting communities in the region for years to come,” said Gil Lawson, manager of Goldcorp’s Musselwhite Mine in a press release.
While the April 4 announcement formalized Goldcorp as a 50-50 partner in the project, the mining company will pull out of the partnership once Wataynikaneyap finds a transmission company to partner with.
Kenequanash said the steering committee will start seeking expressions of interest from transmission companies in the coming months, with a goal of finding a partner by the end of 2013.
She said that throughout the project local communities will have opportunities to create spin off businesses and fill specialized service needs, as well as participate in the construction of the lines which are expected to create about 1,200 jobs.
Kenequanash said the proponents hope to complete phase one construction by the end of 2015, and have phase two construction start in 2017.
In the long run the plan is to have the company be 100 per cent First Nation owned.
First Nations that wish to partner on the project can still do so.
“Now is the time for communities to come on board,” Kenequanash said.
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| 4/4/2013 | 13 First Nations and Goldcorp sign ownership agreement and incorporate Wataynikaneyap Power |
Thirteen First Nations and Goldcorp today announced they have signed an agreement formally incorporating Wataynikaneyap Power. This new company is developing a transmission line that will connect remote First Nations communities currently powered by diesel generation, and will provide more reliable power to local communities and industry.
“We have partnered with Goldcorp to establish Wataynikaneyap Power with a goal of First Nations eventually owning 100% of this important infrastructure that will better serve our communities. I look forward to the day we can connect our communities to the provincial power grid – it is safe, reliable and provides for cleaner energy,” said Margaret Kenequanash, representing the 13 First Nations partners in Wataynikaneyap Power.
The company is proposing a single project with a two-phase development process. The first phase, a 300-km transmission line, will reinforce electricity transmission into Pickle Lake, including servicing Goldcorp’s Musselwhite mine. The second phase will extend transmission north of Pickle Lake to service 10 remote First Nation communities.
In total, 21 of Ontario’s 25 remote communities, as well as the Ring of Fire, could be connected to the grid. Ontario’s 25 remote communities burn approximately 25 million litres of diesel fuel per year to generate electricity. The associated cost of this diesel generation has been estimated at approximately $68 million annually. In the long term, a new transmission line would cost significantly less than continued diesel generation.
The project will create new economic development opportunities including potential for renewable energy development. Approximately 1,200 construction-related jobs and 60 long-term career opportunities will be created.
“Our goal is to create as many local economic opportunities for our First Nations communities as possible,” said Kenequanash. “We are currently in the process of developing training programs to prepare the local workforce not only for the construction period but for the long term as well.”
“Wataynikaneyap Power is an example of how industry and First Nations can work together on projects that are good for the economy and the environment while benefitting communities in the region for years to come,” said Gil Lawson, Manager of Goldcorp’s Musselwhite Mine.
Although Goldcorp and other customers in the region are connected to the existing grid, the current line is at capacity and subject to frequent outages. Goldcorp is facilitating development for Phase 1 of the project, but expects to exit the company once a long-term transmission partner is secured.
Wataynikaneyap has initiated an environmental assessment on Phase 1 and expects to complete construction to Pickle Lake by the end of 2015. The company plans to initiate an environmental assessment on Phase 2 in 2013, and could begin connecting communities in 2017. Over 40 years, the project could result in over 4 million tons of avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Wataynikaneyap means “line that brings light” in Anishininiimowin, named by the Elders who provided guidance to the partners.
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