Saulteau First Nations and EDF Power Solutions Secure 30-Year Agreement for Taylor South Wind Project in British Columbia
Saulteau First Nations and EDF Power Solutions North America have announced the execution of a 30-year Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro for the proposed Taylor South Wind Project, a major renewable energy development that will contribute significantly to British Columbia’s growing clean electricity needs. The agreement marks another important milestone in the province’s efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity while fostering economic development, Indigenous participation, and long-term energy security.
The Taylor South Wind Project, with a planned generation capacity of 200.6 megawatts (MW), was selected through BC Hydro’s 2025 Call for Power process. The initiative is designed to support the increasing demand for clean electricity across the province as British Columbia continues to pursue economic growth, population expansion, electrification, and climate objectives.
The project represents a continuation of the successful collaboration between Saulteau First Nations and EDF Power Solutions. It builds upon the Taylor Wind Project, which previously secured an Electricity Purchase Agreement through BC Hydro’s earlier procurement efforts. Through this expanded partnership, the organizations aim to deliver additional renewable energy while generating substantial economic and social benefits for local communities.
A distinguishing feature of the Taylor South Wind Project is its Indigenous ownership structure. The development is being advanced through an equity partnership in which Saulteau First Nations holds a 51 percent economic interest, making it the majority partner. This arrangement reflects a growing trend toward Indigenous leadership and participation in major energy infrastructure projects across Canada.
The project will be located on Crown land in British Columbia’s Peace River Region, approximately 10 kilometers south of the District of Taylor. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 60,000 homes. Commercial operations are currently targeted to begin in 2032.
The Province of British Columbia has emphasized the importance of expanding electricity generation capacity to meet future demand. As businesses, industries, and households increasingly transition toward electric technologies, the province is forecasting substantial growth in electricity consumption over the coming decades. Renewable energy projects such as Taylor South are expected to play a critical role in ensuring sufficient supply while maintaining the reliability and affordability of the power system.
Adrian Dix, British Columbia’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, highlighted the strategic significance of investments in clean energy infrastructure. He noted that affordable and reliable electricity is essential to supporting economic development, attracting investment, and creating employment opportunities throughout the province. According to Dix, expanding BC Hydro’s electricity system today will help ensure that British Columbia remains well-positioned to support future industrial growth and community development while advancing climate goals.
The Taylor South Wind Project was one of only four clean energy developments selected through BC Hydro’s 2025 Call for Power. The competitive procurement process was designed to secure new sources of renewable electricity that can help meet future demand while maintaining affordability for customers. The selected projects will collectively contribute to strengthening British Columbia’s electricity system and supporting the province’s long-term energy strategy.
BC Hydro President and Chief Executive Officer Charlotte Mitha emphasized the value of integrating wind energy into the utility’s generation portfolio. She explained that wind generation helps diversify the province’s electricity supply, while BC Hydro’s extensive hydroelectric resources provide the flexibility needed to maintain reliability when wind conditions fluctuate. Together, these complementary resources create a balanced and resilient energy system capable of supporting future growth.
The Taylor South Wind Project is expected to represent a total investment of approximately $650 million. A significant portion of that spending will directly benefit the local economy. More than $150 million is anticipated to be invested in development activities, construction services, infrastructure, procurement, and other project-related expenditures within the region.
In addition to providing clean electricity, the project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities throughout its lifecycle. More than 250 jobs are projected to be generated during development, construction, and operational phases. These employment opportunities are expected to support local workers, contractors, suppliers, and service providers while contributing to broader regional economic growth.
For Saulteau First Nations, the project represents more than an energy investment. Chief Rudy Paquette described Taylor South as an example of how economic development, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous rights can be advanced simultaneously. He emphasized that the project aligns with the Nation’s commitment to respecting treaty rights while responsibly utilizing natural resources to create lasting benefits for current and future generations.
According to Chief Paquette, the partnership demonstrates how reconciliation can be translated into meaningful economic participation and shared prosperity. By maintaining majority ownership in the project, Saulteau First Nations will have a direct role in shaping its development and long-term success while ensuring that community interests remain central to decision-making processes.
EDF Power Solutions North America also highlighted the significance of the partnership and the progress achieved through years of collaboration. Mark Gallagher, Senior Director of Development at EDF Power Solutions, stated that securing the Taylor South award reflects the strong working relationship that has been established between EDF and Saulteau First Nations over the past several years.
Gallagher noted that the project demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative development approaches that prioritize community engagement and Indigenous participation. He added that EDF’s experience as one of Canada’s leading wind energy developers, combined with the support and involvement of local First Nations, positions the partnership to successfully deliver the project and contribute to British Columbia’s clean energy objectives.
The company believes the project will play an important role in helping both the provincial government and BC Hydro meet their goals of increasing renewable electricity generation while supporting sustainable economic growth. In addition to supplying clean power, the development is expected to create long-term economic opportunities and family-supporting jobs across the region.
As development activities move forward, the project team plans to continue extensive engagement with First Nations communities, local residents, municipal governments, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. Ongoing consultation and collaboration will be essential to ensuring that the project advances responsibly and maintains strong community support throughout the planning, permitting, and construction process.
With a planned in-service date of 2032, the Taylor South Wind Project represents a major step forward in British Columbia’s transition toward a cleaner energy future. Through a combination of renewable energy generation, Indigenous partnership, local economic investment, and long-term employment creation, the project is positioned to deliver lasting benefits for communities across the province while helping meet growing electricity demand for decades to come.
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