Innergex receives Environmental Assessment Certificate for British Columbia hydro project

Canada-based Innergex Renewable Energy has announced that its Upper Lillooet Hydro Project (ULHP) has received Environmental Assessment Certificate from British Columbia province.

With three run-of-river hydroelectric facilities, ULHP will have a total installed capacity of 113MW.

Located on Crown land, near Pemberton, British Columbia, the three facilities include the 74MW Upper Lillooet plant, 23MW Boulder Creek plant and the 16MW North Creek plant.

The company plans to commence construction on both projects in 2013 and of North Creek facility in 2014.

BC Hydro will purchase power from each of the facilities under a 40-year purchase agreement.

Commenting on the environmental assessment process, Innergex president and CEO Michel Letellier noted that the rigorous and thorough process requires consultations with government agencies, the Lil’wat Nation, multiple stakeholders and the public.

"We are very proud that the ULHP has achieved this important milestone," continued Letellier.

"We continue to advance the development of this project, seeking to obtain all necessary permits and licenses, as well as long-term project financing," he added.

Innergex has additionally secured the Environmental Assessment Certificates for two other proposed run-of-river hydroelectric facilities in August 2012.

Located in British Columbia, the two plants – 21MW Tretheway Creek and 37MW Big Silver-Shovel Creek – are wholly-owned by Innergex.

ULHP is currently being developed by Creek Power, a joint venture between Innergex, which holds 66.67% equity, and Ledcor Power.