Batchewana First Nation takes full ownership of wind facility

Batchewana First Nation (BFN) is now the full owner of the Bow Lake Wind Facility.

Located in Algoma District, north of Sault Ste. Marie, Bow Lake comprises 36 wind turbines with a total capacity of 58.3 megawatts.

The facility operates under a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator.

Since its launch in 2015, Bow Lake has operated under a 50-50 partnership between Batchewana First Nation and its developer, BluEarth Renewables, known as Nodin Kitagan Limited Partnerships.

On Sept. 16, the two parties announced full ownership has been transferred to Batchewana First Nation, although BluEarth will continue to oversee the operation of the facility, which includes turbine maintenance, the balance of plant maintenance and 24/7 remote operations, and management services.

“Since the onset of commercial operations, it was always the intention of our First Nation to acquire 100 per cent ownership of the facility,” Batchewana Chief Mark McCoy said in a news release.

“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.”

According to the release, Batchewana First Nation completed the transaction with financial assistance from the First Nations Finance Authority, but did not disclose the value of the transaction.

At the time of its creation, the Batchewana-BluEarth partnership was one of the largest economic partnerships between a First Nation and a wind-energy developer in Canada.

“We have great respect for the Batchewana First Nation and the successful partnership we have built together over more than a decade,” Grant Arnold, president and CEO of BluEarth Renewables, said in the release.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the BFN under this new ownership structure and providing ongoing operational support and expertise.”