Project Benefits

The NaiKun project will create long-term clean energy and economic development benefits for local communities and British Columbia:

Long- Term Jobs for Local Workers

More than 200 people will be needed to build the wind project including construction workers, marine operators, cooks, helicopter pilots and administrative support staff to name a few. Once the project is built, up to 50 positions such as wind turbine technicians, mariners, and support staff will be needed to operate and maintain the wind project. These jobs will be well-paid, long-term career positions and NaiKun has committed to hiring local workers wherever possible.

Skills Development and Career Training

In collaboration with local educational institutions such as the B.C. Institute of Technology (BCIT) School of Construction and the Environment and Northwest Community College (NWCC), NaiKun is developing a training and employment program to prepare the local residents for upcoming employment opportunities associated with the renewable energy sector and in particular, offshore wind.

Clean Energy Benefits

NaiKun’s project supports B.C.’s commitment to develop clean, renewable, made-in-B.C. electricity and could displace approximately 450,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per year if used instead of natural gas. The project also includes an innovative proposal – HaidaLink – to supply Haida Gwaii with clean, reliable power. HaidaLink has the potential to displace Haida Gwaii’s dependence on diesel generation with clean, renewable wind energy, displacing up to 26,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

This project will help the province reach the commitment set out in the 2007 BC Energy Plan to be electricity self-suffi cient by 2016, with at least 90% of our energy produced through clean or renewable sources. Wind energy produces no emissions or hazardous waste and is supported by numerous environmental organizations.