MASSET: British Columbia’s first Indigenous owned and operated solar plant located in a non-integrated area is now online, delivering clean electricity to BC Hydro’s Masset microgrid and marking a meaningful step toward reducing diesel reliance in remote communities.
Developed by Tll Yahda Energy, a partnership of Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council and the Council of the Haida Nation, Solar North is a two-megawatt microgrid project in Haida Gwaii located at the Masset airport. It will displace approximately 350,000 litres of diesel annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the community’s reliance on fossil fuels.
“The Solar North plant is more than a technical achievement, it is a shining example of what is possible when Indigenous leadership, government, BC Hydro and industry work together on clean energy innovation to transform communities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “The plant demonstrates the power of partnership in building a sustainable future for British Columbians.”
Solar North is the first renewable energy plant built and brought online in one of B.C.’s non-integrated areas – remote communities not connected to BC Hydro’s main grid, many of which are Indigenous and reliant on diesel. This solar plant began supplying power on Dec. 5 under Tll Yahda Energy’s 20-year Community Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro.
“For the Haida Nation, this project has been a long time coming and represents a tangible step forward towards a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable future,” said Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Haida Nation. “By harnessing the sun’s energy, we are protecting our lands and waters, and creating a legacy of energy security for our people – marking the start of a new chapter in our relationship with BC Hydro and Haida Gwaii’s energy story.”
And this is just the beginning of the partnership between BC Hydro and Tll Yahda Energy. BC Hydro is already preparing for microgrid upgrades, including advanced microgrid control and a battery energy storage systems, which will allow more renewable energy integration from the plant while maintaining grid stability. Once complete, these upgrades will increase diesel displacement to about 515,000 litres annually – that’s the equivalent of getting about 300 cars off the road.
"Tll Yahda Energy has demonstrated the power of collaboration to address the growing impacts of climate change,” said Nangkilslas Trent Moraes, Deputy Chief Councillor, Skidegate Band Council. “Our Nation is determined to lead an energy transition away from fossil fuels and reduce the impact diesel generated electricity can have on Haida lands and waters. This Solar Project is only our first step towards a clean energy future. Tll Yahda means ‘to make it right’ and we will continue to grow and develop our organization toward a complete energy transition."
The agreement also includes an option for Tll Yahda Energy to expand Solar North. Combined with BC Hydro’s upgrades, this could reduce diesel consumption by nearly one million litres per year by 2028, potentially making it the largest in remote Canada.
“We are proud to partner with Tll Yahda Energy and the Haida Nation on this groundbreaking and historic initiative,” said Charlotte Mitha, President & CEO of BC Hydro. “The Solar North plant, together with our upcoming microgrid project, will make the Masset microgrid cleaner and more resilient for generations to come.”
Construction on BC Hydro’s station upgrade begins in spring 2026, alongside work Tll Yahda Energy will be doing to expand Solar North. Together, these projects will continue to transform the energy landscape of Haida Gwaii - delivering cleaner, more reliable power, advancing energy sovereignty, and setting a new benchmark for renewable innovation in remote communities across British Columbia.
Contact:
Linnaea Fyles, Tll Yahda Energy
p. 250 637 1029
e. admin@tllyahda.com
BC Hydro
p. 604-928-6468
e. media@bchydro.com