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RDEK supportive of solar projects investigation
As the sun keeps shining in the East Kootenay, the potential for more solar energy projects grows.
Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors August 5 voted to express support for three investigative licences, covering five locations, to assess the potential for development of solar energy projects.
The board reviewed Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations referrals regarding lnnergex Solar Energy Inc.’s Crown land applications for Investigative Licences to assess the potential for development of projects in the vicinities of Mayook and Elko, as well as ones on Torrent Road and Farstad Way west of Skookumchuck and a fifth in the Sheep Creek Road area east of Skookumchuck.
“Innergex is interested in the area near Kimberley /Cranbrook due to the solar irradiation potential in this area. We have recently identified five potential solar project sites on Crown land in this area and submitted Investigative Licence tenure applications to the province. The purpose of these Crown land investigative tenures is to allow us to assess the feasibility of these sites for a solar project. If the results of the investigations indicate that these sites are feasible for a solar project, the intent is to submit these projects into a future BC Hydro call for tenders to provide power, the BC Hydro Standing Offer Program, and/or other future renewable energy acquisition process,” explained Jackie Boruch, an environmental specialist working with Innergex.
“Investigations for green energy projects are generally supported and the proposal could help develop a diversified industrial sector to augment the region’s economy,” noted a RDEK planning department report.
The board wasn’t unanimous in its support for the investigative licences, with Electoral Area C Director and board chair Rob Gay, Electoral Area B Director Stan Doehle and City of Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt voting in opposition.
Lead image: Kimberley’s SunMine has inspired several other would-be solar projects. Along with the ones described above, there is another proposal for Cranbrook’s east hill area.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
