April 10, 2024

CIB, Alexander First Nation Chief, George Arcand, Terry Hui from Concord Pacific, and FNpower announce the Tilley Solar Project

The group to commemorate Tilley close and discuss greater First Nation involvement in other large scale renewable energy projects in Canada including the $5B, 375MW Amisk hydroelectric project in Alberta. The Tilley Solar Power Project brings Concord Green Energy over the 300MW threshold in green power projects across 5 provinces.

Newell, A.B./Vancouver, B.C. (April 10, 2024): Alexander First Nation, First Nation Power Development (FNpower), Concord Green Energy (a subsidiary of Concord Pacific), and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) have reached financial close on the Tilley Solar Project.

The CIB committed $33 million to the Tilley Solar project, located 200 kilometres southeast of Calgary in Newell, Alberta, on Treaty 7 Territory. The total project cost is $52 million and will include the economic interests of the Alexander First Nation and FNpower, an Indigenous-owned organization dedicated to empowering First Nation community ownership and participation in the emerging renewable energy industry.

Chief George Arcand Jr, Alexander First Nation – I would like to thank the CIB for their tremendous support and dedication to the Tilley Solar Project. This signifies the economic viability of the project for our Nation for many years to come. With that comes long-term careers/jobs for our Nation members, consistent revenue for the Nation, and our footprint into the green energy space. I would also like to thank and congratulate Alexander Business Centre, First Nation Power Development, and Concord Green Energy for their unwavering hard work and commitment to bring this project into fruition. I am beyond excited to see the end product as a green energy source which is important to us as First Nations people who are stewards of the land. Hiy hiy

Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank – Directly impacting the Alexander First Nation through job creation and long-term economic prosperity, our investment in the Tilley Solar Project will help foster economic reconciliation while advancing a more sustainable grid. Our collective approach to project development sets an example for future partnerships of Indigenous leadership in renewable projects that can be replicated across Canada.

Terry Hui, President and CEO, Concord Pacific Group – This great partnership with Chief George Arcand and the Alexander First Nation is our second major solar project with Alberta First Nations. We have been seeing this sector grow in Alberta and look to scale up on more projects in solar and hydro like Amisk Hydroelectric on the Peace River.

Ian Arcand, Chief Executive Officer, Alexander Business Corporation –As CEO of ABC and an Alexander First Nation member as well, it is with great pride that we were able to complete this investment that will generate a consistent revenue stream for our Nation over the next 30 years. I want to thank Hillary Thatcher and all her team at CIB for their tremendous support and commitment to ensuring this investment would be financially viable for our Nation. I want to thank Firman Latimer from First Nation Power Development for all your hard work, commitment and efforts to pull this project together and for including Alexander First Nation. Finally, I want to thank Concord Green Energy and Concord Pacific for their engagement and commitment to ensure this project is majority owned by its First Nations Partners and for providing the financial support we needed, our entire Nation is so very thankful for your generosity and your commitment to our participation. Lastly, I believe there will be more Green and Clean Energy Investments that our Nation, as we see combining Environmental Stewardship and Economic Participation as the future business model for our Nation.

Firman Latimer, CEO, First Nation Power Development –Having worked for First Nation communities over the last 15 years, it’s been incredible to witness the evolution in economic participation. Extraordinary leaders like Chief George Arcand of Alexander First Nation and Ian Arcand, CEO of Alexander Business Corp, have persevered over many years to create these opportunities and drive momentum, demonstrating that First Nations people can create their own methods for meaningful economic participation, especially in emerging industries like the renewable energy sector. For this project we were very fortunate to have met an industry partner that understands the importance of inclusion and how to build meaningful relationships; Concord Pacific’s renewable energy division Concord Green Energy is setting the bar for economic reconciliation within the energy industry. I would like to express my gratitude to Terry Hui for demonstrating true leadership in this regard. Most importantly, the partnership would not have been possible without the support of CIB, Hillary Thatcher, and her Indigenous and Northern Infrastructure team, who are truly looking out for the interests of the Indigenous partners.

For more information and quotes from The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, Government of Canada, and The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Government of Canada, please see the news release here. CIB, Alexander First Nation Chief, George Arcand, Terry Hui From Concord Pacific, And FNpower Announce The Tilley Solar Project

For further information: Peter Udzenija, peter.udzenija@concordpacific.com

Business in Vancouver – B.C.’s Concord Pacific partners in solar power project in Alberta

Daily Hive – Major Canadian Indigenous solar project forges ahead with Concord Pacific’s Terry Hui

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