BC’s largest solar project begins operation

SunMine means bright future for sunny resort city Kimberley, BC

BC Mines and Energy Minister Bill Bennett, Kimberley mayor Don McCormick and EcoSmart CEO Michel de Spot watch as the new solar panels come to life at the Kimberley SunMine. — Photo courtesy Kootenay Business

(KIMBERLEY, BC)   The City of Kimberley is pleased to announce that SunMine is commercially operational.  The 1.05 MW (megawatt) solar project is B.C.’s first grid-connected solar facility, as well as being Canada’s largest project to use solar trackers.

SunMine consists of 4,032 solar-cell modules mounted on 96 trackers which follow the suns movement, thereby maximizing solar exposure.  The German-engineered trackers provide as much as 38% more energy than a fixed system.  The trackers capitalize on the electricity generated during the morning and evening, peak demand times when BC Hydro has the greatest need for electricity and pays a premium for it.

Production data since June 22nd confirms that the energy being generated by the SunMine is exceeding the modeled design potential.

According to Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick, “SunMine is a great example of the resiliency of our community.  We are thriving and pursuing new and innovative directions. Although SunMine is the largest solar facility in BC, it is relatively small.  As the SunMine proves its potential, the City of Kimberley is looking to expand it and have already had several inquiries from prospective partners.”  SunMine is supplying enough electricity to the BC Hydro grid to power approximately 200 homes.

“SunMine is a symbol of Kimberley’s commitment to the environment.  When Kimberley’s mineral resources were depleted, we took advantage of our solar potential and developed a new resource which is renewable,” said Scott Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Kimberley.  Kimberley receives the most sunshine in B.C. (over 300 days per year), and the community-owned SunMine is well suited to capitalize on these clear and sunny conditions.

“Innovative, private clean energy projects have helped power B.C. since the 1980s and are a cornerstone of B.C.’s energy policy,” said Minister Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines. “The Sun Mine project has the potential to spur interest in development of other solar projects, bringing more jobs and economic benefits to communities across B.C.”

Teck provided use of the land and site infrastructure as well as a $2 million contribution towards the project. SunMine is located on Teck’s former Sullivan Mine site, which has been fully reclaimed.

“Participating in SunMine reflects both Teck’s commitment to supporting local communities, even after mining has ceased, and our focus on expanding the use of alternative energy,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO of Teck. “We’re proud to be contributing to the long-term prosperity of Kimberley and commend the City for their entrepreneurial spirit.”

The City of Kimberley gratefully acknowledges the support of Columbia Basin Trust and the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Province’s $1 million contribution through the Innovative Clean Energy Fund.

The SunMine project was conceived and supported by the Vancouver-based EcoSmart Foundation. “I’m extremely pleased that SunMine’s initial operation confirms the expected performance benefits of the project’s innovative design,” said EcoSmart CEO Michel de Spot. “Solar energy is one of the fastest growing industries in North America and its potential in BC is exceptional. EcoSmart is proud to have collaborated with Teck and Kimberley on this innovative project.”

More information on the project can be found at www.sunmine.ca