Tjipogtotjg commemorates solar farm installation with ribbon-cutting ceremony

On May 9th, partners from Tjipogtotjg First Nation (Buctouche Micmac Band), North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC), and The Smart Energy Company gathered with community members and supporters to celebrate the installation of a NOREASTER® solar farm that will produce approximately 13.82 MWh per year in emission-free energy. 

The Buctouche Solar Initiative was initiated in November 2023 as part of the NSMTC’s efforts to build clean energy capacity within its Member Nation communities. The Tjipogtotjg First Nation, one of seven Mi’kmaq Nations represented by the NSMTC, had long-expressed interest in developing a clean energy generation project within the boundary of the community, in representation of the Nation’s commitment to a sustainable future.

“This project utilizes state-of-the-art solar panels and technology to maximize energy production while minimizing environmental impact for our community,” said Chief Brenton LeBlanc, Tjipogtotjg First Nation.

“On behalf of the NSMTC Energy Services team, I am pleased to celebrate the commitment of Tjipogtotjg to a sustainable future for the next generations. The installation of a NOREASTER® system here in the community is symbolic of an energy future for all New Brunswickers, and I applaud the leadership of Chief Vince and Tjipogtotjg in taking this step toward lowering the community’s energy and carbon footprint. Moments like this are also a celebration of the team it takes to deliver projects of this nature,” said Kevin Woods, Energy Services Director for the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council

The 10kW AC solar system will reduce the overall operating cost of the Tjipogtotjg Band Office. The system and solar training were provided by The Smart Energy Company, contributing to the Indigenous labour force within the clean energy sector.

“As a solar energy developer, The Smart Energy Company takes pride in supporting the development of the future workforce, as well as the community’s initiative to build its first ground-mounted solar farm. Through our partnership with North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council and Tjipogtotjg Micmac Band, we provided specific solar training, utilizing our NOREASTER® micro solar farm for hands-on electrical skills. This system will now provide power to the Buctouche Band Office, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions for the community,” said Jeff McAloon, Chief Development Officer of The Smart Energy Company.

 

This project was facilitated by the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council with support from Indigenous Services Canada’s Atlantic Canada Energy Initiative, The Smart Energy Company, and NB Power’s Net Metering.