Batchewana First Nation now full owner of wind farm

An agreement is in place that will see Batchewana First Nation (BFN) take on an additional 50 per cent ownership in the Bow Lake Wind Facility from BluEarth Renewables.

The new ownership structure will see BluEarth continue to oversee the operation of the facility, including turbine maintenance, balance of plant maintenance, and 24/7 remote operations while also providing management services.

The facility is owned by the Nodin Kitagan Limited Partnerships, which is a partnership between BFN and BluEarth and began operation in 2015. At the time, it was one of the largest economic partnerships between a First Nation and a wind energy development in Canada.

“Since the onset of commercial operations, it was always the intention of our First Nation to acquire 100 per cent ownership of the facility," said Chief Mark McCoy of Batchewana First Nation. "I am thrilled that we have achieved this and want our members to understand that this decision was based on a business and assertion strategy to advance our Nation. It is paramount that BFN manages all of the lands and resources in our vast territory with the intent of becoming a self-sufficient First Nation as well as upholding our original responsibilities as Anishinabe people."

“We have great respect for the Batchewana First Nation and the successful partnership we have built together over more than a decade,” said Grant Arnold, President and CEO, BluEarth Renewables. “We look forward to continuing to work with the BFN under this new ownership structure and providing ongoing operational support and expertise.”

BFN secured financing through the First Nations Finance Authority to make the transaction happen.