West Moberly First Nation celebrates newly commissioned wind project on Earth Day

MOBERLY LAKE, B.C. – A partnership between West Moberly First Nations and Natural Forces has produced the Zonnebeke Energy Project, which supplies clean, renewable energy to British Columbians.

The wind project, located south of Chetwynd, has four turbines capable of generating up to 15 megawatts of power, good enough to power 5,800 homes.

“The Zonnebeke project exemplifies the truly clean renewable energy the world needs to move forward,” said Chief Roland Willson. “It is through business partnerships and relationships like this that First Nations can and will develop true sustainable opportunities which in-turn enable the Nations to grow and prosper.”

“Working with Chief Willson and his colleagues has been a fantastic experience,” said John Brereton, President at Natural Forces. “We are very grateful to have been part of this project that will generate clean, emission-free electricity in British Columbia and deliver economic prosperity to our partners at West Moberly First Nations.”

In July 2019, BC Hydro and the partnership between West Moberly and Natural Forces signed an Electricity Purchase Agreement, which allows the sale of renewable energy.

“We’re pleased the Zonnebeke Energy Project will add to BC Hydro’s clean, renewable electricity supply and help to power thousands of homes in B.C.,” said BC Hydro President and CEO Chris O’Riley. “We are committed to building and maintaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous groups, including the West Moberly First Nations, and this project is an example of that.”

The partnership was developed in tandem with a separate collaboration between Saulteau First Nations and Natural Forces to build the Sukunka Wind Energy Project.