“We are basically blending power so that
you can bring in solar power and make
it coexist with diesel,” Kenway said. The
technology would allow the diesel pow-
er source to shut down when operating
off solar energy. “This is like a disruptive
revolution where First Nations that once
upon a time were dependent on provincial
hydro to put in diesel are taking charge of
their own power systems.” The potential
is there to hugely reduce the reliance on
diesel-generated electricity.
“(Gordon’s) nation is a few hundred peo-
ple but the changes he’s effecting affects
thousands and thousands of people. Peo-
ple can take their own power back,” Ken-
way said.
“What’s happening today is good, but in 10
years from now it’s even going to be bet-
ter and keep getting better,” Chief Planes
said. Exploring ways to transform the pow-
er of the elements — the sun and wind
and sea — provides a direct path to reduc-
ing the reliance on fossil fuels, something
that resonates strongly with First Nations
people.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
MIMICS THE PAST
“The good thing about alternative energy
is it mimics what we did in the past. When
you go in a canoe, you have so many ways
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business elite canada
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FEBRUARY 2017
