Wataynikaneyap Updates Financial Feasibility Study for the Grid Connection of Remote First Nations Communities
PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”) was engaged by the Central Corridor Energy Group (“CCEG”) to complete an assessment of financing and funding options for the development of a transmission line to connect remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario. The connection of First Nations communities currently serviced by diesel generation forms part of the two phase Wataynikaneyap Power project, a First Nations led initiative.
Originally, PwC assessed the feasibility of connecting 10 remote communities. The updated Financial Feasibility Study reflects the addition of five communities:
Deer Lake First Nation;
Poplar Hill First Nation;
North Spirit Lake First Nation;
Keewaywin First Nation;
and McDowell Lake First Nation
With the addition of these communities, Wataynikaneyap Power is now planning to connect 15 remote First Nations communities
Based on the current state and forecast assumptions, PWC estimates that developing and operating a transmission line connecting the 15 CCEG remote communities to the grid will result in a net present value of $657 million over continued diesel generation during the analysis period (2018-2057).
Due to confidentiality, only an Executive Summary of the PWC Financial Feasibility Report is available to the public.
Wataynikaneyap Power recognizes that the land on which Wataynikaneyap Power has its head office is the Homeland of Animikii Wajiw. Gitchi Gami Anishinabek are signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850. The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system is located within the Homelands of Treaty 9 and Adhesions; Treaty 3 and Adhesions; and Treaty 5 and Adhesions, through the true spirit and true intent as understood by our Elders.