Touchwood Agency Tribal Council (TATC) and Rainforest Energy Corp. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of clean energy in the territory of TATC members.
The MOU was signed last Saturday, and the Day Star, George Gordon, Kawakatoose, and Muskowekwan First Nations form the TATC.
“I talked to our local Chiefs and they were very interested,” Rod Favel, economic development program manager of TATC said. “We hope to clean up Mother Earth.”
A feasibility evaluation will be conducted under the MOU to site a $250 million clean energy project in Punnichy.
“We haven’t confirmed a start date yet,” Favel said. “It will probably be about two years of construction. I hope everything goes according to the plan.”
A goal of the project is to convert Indigenous-sourced waste biomass and natural gas into 87 million litres per year of low-carbon gasoline, jet fuel and propane. Hemp residue, logging slash and straw will be evaluated.
TATC will also evaluate other projects for Rainforest Energy Corp.
“I’m really excited about the possibilities and all the opportunities,” Favel said. “The 40 permanent jobs at each clean energy facility and the potential 250 additional jobs with connected ventures will make a difference in our communities. Jobs will be open to residents of our areas. It gives our children some hope. It gives them something to strive for.”
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Brendan.Mayer@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @BrendanMayer
