KIMBERLEY, B.C. - The City of Kimberley’s SunMine has been selected as one of
Canada’s top 15 sustainability-oriented projects.
“Canada’s Clean50 Top 15 Project Awards are announced annually by Delta
Management Group and the Clean50 organization to recognize the 15 sustainability
oriented projects, completed in the previous two years, which have done the most to
advance the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada. Projects are
chosen for their innovation, ability to inspire others, or to inform.” states Gavin Pitchford,
CEO of the Delta Management Group.
”Delta’s criteria in determining Honourees is to carefully consider actual measurable
accomplishments, demonstrated innovation, collaboration with other organizations, and
the power of the project contribution to inspire other Canadians to take similar action”.
“The SunMine – Converting a Minesite to a Solar Field project was chosen after
rigourous screening and research by Delta Management, with advice from internal
researchers and external advisors, and was among the Top 15 Projects selected from a
large initial pool of well qualified nominees. “
A true collaboration, Michel DeSpot of the EcoSmart Foundation first approached the
City of Kimberley and Teck Resources in 2008 about a partnership to build Western
Canada's first large-scale solar facility on a reclaimed mine site. In the heart of BC and
with over 300 days of annual sunshine, Kimberley was a natural – and in 2011 76% of
voters supported the City borrowing $2M towards the construction. Teck provided a
reclaimed mining site, an existing substation, and $2M in support to the project, and
with help from other funders, including $1M the Province’s Innovative Clean Energy
Fund, the project commenced commercial operations in June 2015, becoming the first
large-scale grid-connected solar facility in Western Canada, the first in Canada to utilize
solar tracking technology and the first solar facility built by a municipality, or on a
reclaimed mine site. The 997 MWh of electricity generated by the SunMine in the first
12 months resulted in the avoidance of 604 tonnes of CO2, generated $195,730 in
revenue for the City.
WWW.CLEAN50.COM