Climate change and pollution affect us all—but the Gitga'at community is putting infrastructure in place to address these issues.
By switching to clean energy, communities can help protect the environment and create a healthier, more sustainable future for people and the land.
What is Clean Energy?
Clean energy comes from sources like wind, solar, and hydro power. These are called "clean energy sources" because they produce little to no harmful emissions.
Clean energy comes from natural processes that renew themselves. In contrast, fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas burn and release pollutants into the air.
Benefits of Clean Energy Over Traditional Energy
Clean energy has many benefits over traditional fossil fuels, especially for rural communities like Hartley Bay. Advantages of switching to clean energy sources include:
Environmental Protection: Clean energy sources do not pollute the air or water.
Cost Savings: Over time, clean energy can be cheaper. Once the systems are in place, the ongoing costs are lower because the "fuel" (sunlight, wind, water) is free.
Reliability: Renewable energy sources are often more reliable in remote areas. Wind and solar power can be harnessed locally, reducing dependence on faraway power plants and long transmission lines.
Energy Independence: By generating power locally, communities are less affected by fluctuations in fuel prices and supply disruptions.
Sustainability: As a community grows, so does the energy demand. Clean energy provides a sustainable way to meet this demand today and for future generations.
Water Security and Clean Energy: Working Together
The Giga'at community is addressing climate change and ensuring enough water and power through a series of connected projects. As the climate changes and rain patterns shift, there are challenges with the water supply, especially in late summer. To fix this, Gitga'at are installing the following projects:
The Weir Project
Since the Gitga'at water supply depends on rainfall and seasonal snow, the recent drop in precipitation is a big problem. Like a small dam, the planned weir will store more freshwater at Upper Lake. Even though the weir will be only three meters high, it will allow us to store an extra 6.5 million cubic meters of drinking water. The weir will ensure a steady water supply during dry periods, protecting the community and the local ecosystem.
Mini Hydro-Power Generation
The mini hydro-power generation project will work with the weir to produce electricity. Water stored at Upper Lake will flow through a large pipe (penstock) downhill to a pumphouse. There, it will turn a turbine to generate electricity before continuing to Lower Lake, keeping water flowing for fish and wildlife and meeting the community's drinking water needs.
The electricity produced will feed into the power grid, and the Giga'at First Nation will sell it back to BC Hydro. This project will greatly reduce the community's reliance on diesel generation plants, reduce carbon emissions, and help the environment.
A Sustainable Future
The Gitga'at investment in clean energy and water security is how the community tackles today's environmental challenges and prepares for a better future.
Stay tuned to the Gitga'at news page for updates on this and other sustainability projects happening in the territory.
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