The partners of Onimiki Renewable Energy have opted for the community energy model to develop their hydroelectric power plant project in Témiscamingue region. What does that mean exactly? It means that no private partners profit from it: only First Nations communities and municipal partners are involved.
Kebaowek First Nation, Wolf Lake First Nation, and the MRC de Témiscamingue are working together to develop this project. They want to propose a project that will strike a balance between the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the project.
To support them, the partners called on the Pekuamiulnuatsh First Nation, which has expertise in community energy development, notably the Val-Jalbert mini-power plant project, which is cited as an example for its integration into its host environment.
More than 25 years ago, energy projects were mainly developed by private companies. The Pekuamiulnuatsh First Nation firmly believed that First Nations and local communities were capable of developing the resources on their territory themselves, in accordance with their values.
The environmental studies currently underway will provide detailed documentation of the impacts and answers to the questions and concerns that have been raised. The environmental impact study is currently scheduled to be submitted in mid-2026.
Highlights
- Net revenues (after debt payments) are estimated at $125 million for the first 10 years.
- 100% of net revenues go to community partners. These sums can be reinvested to stimulate the vitality of the region.
- Decisions are made by a board of directors made up of representatives from community partners.
- The partners request that they be given the time necessary to properly document the impacts and propose a project suited to the territory.