Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables Sign EPA with BC Hydro for 200 MW Taylor Wind Project

Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables North America announce the signing of a 30-year Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro (BCH) for the 200 megawatt (MW) Taylor Wind Project. The contract was awarded as part of BCH’s 2024 Call for Power and will help the Province of British Columbia meet its growing demand for clean electricity to supply future economic growth.

The Taylor Wind Project is an equity partnership, between EDF Renewables and Saulteau First Nations, with the Saulteau First Nations holding a 51 percent economic interest in the project. Located on mainly agricultural lands in the Peace River Region, approximately 10 km south of Taylor, B.C., the project will consist of up to 40 wind turbines and expects to begin delivery of enough power for 60,000 homes in 2031.

“The Taylor Wind project will generate clean energy that we urgently need, while providing jobs and long-term benefits to the Saulteau First Nations and the Peace River region,” said Adrian Dix, British Columbia Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “The completion of an electricity purchase agreement for the project between the Saulteau First Nations, EDF Renewables and BC Hydro stands as testament to what we can do together when we build partnerships to increase First Nations’ participation in the clean-energy sector and advance economic reconciliation.”

As one of 10 clean energy projects selected by BC Hydro to advance, Taylor Wind will supply clean, affordable electricity to serve B.C.’s growing communities and housing needs, as people and businesses choose clean energy in their lives, homes, vehicles and businesses.

Chris O’Riley, President and CEO, BC Hydro stated “The electricity purchase agreements we have signed with the Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables, and with other First Nations and development companies selected from our call for power, mark a historic step forward in energy partnership with First Nations.  At BC Hydro, we are committed to advancing economic reconciliation as we expand our sources of generation and our electricity system to serve the growing needs of our customers in the clean economy.”

Taylor Wind will represent an overall investment of approximately USD 600 million, of which more than USD 150 million will be spent on key development, construction-related activities and in the local economy. It will create over 150 jobs through development, construction, and operation activities.

“Our investment in Taylor Wind will create jobs and economic development, while also respecting our Treaty and making wise use of our natural resources,” said Chief Rudy Paquette, Saulteau First Nations.  “Together, we are proving that reconciliation means creating triple-win solutions that benefit everyone. This is the future, and the future is bright.”

“I am delighted to see Saulteau First Nations join forces with EDF Renewables in a true partnership to construct and deliver affordable, clean energy from the Taylor Wind project,” said Cory Basil, Senior Vice President at EDF Renewables. “As one of the largest and most experienced developers of wind energy in Canada, we are confident that EDF Renewables and Saulteau have assembled a knowledgeable and dedicated team that will collaborate with the B.C. government and other local First Nations to bring this project to commercial operation. It is the Saulteau and B.C. government’s commitment to renewable energy that has created an attractive environment where projects like Taylor Wind can create family-supporting jobs and underpin B.C.’s growing economy.”