VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — (Marketwired) — 07/23/13 — Zero Emission Energy Developments (ZED), Penticton Indian Band (PIB), and Westbank First Nation (WFN) announced that they have signed an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) that will enhance opportunities for First Nations through revenue sharing, employment and training.
This wind power IBA, the first to be signed with these First Nations, supports ZED–s development of two separate 15 MW projects in WFN and PIB–s shared territory which falls within the Okanagan Nation–s traditional territory. Scheduled for operation in 2014, these projects will be the first wind power generation plants in BC–s interior.
“We–re very excited about working with WFN and PIB to produce clean, emission-free, renewable energy for British Columbians,” said ZED President and Chief Executive Officer Alastair King. “Our projects will provide significant economic and social benefits to these First Nation communities, as well as to the Province as a whole.”
ZED has been working to develop strong relationships with WFN and PIB since 2008. This IBA, signed May 13, 2013, marks another step forward for ZED–s wind power projects. It occurs a month after ZED entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with REpower Systems for the supply of wind turbines for ZED–s five wind power projects across B.C.
About ZED
Zero Emission Energy Developments (ZED) is a BC-based renewable energy company, established in 2007 to develop small-scale community based wind power generation plants throughout B.C.
About WFN
Westbank First Nation (WFN) is a proud leader in First Nation self-government, providing progressive economic, cultural and social services for its members, residents and businesses. One of seven bands that comprise the Okanagan Nation, WFN is located in the beautiful South Central Interior of British Columbia, just minutes from Kelowna. With a history rich in culture and tradition, and a population of over 700 members and 9000 residents, WFN places high value on the responsible management and protection of its resources, environment and watersheds. For more information, visit .
About PIB
The Penticton Indian Band (PIB) is located in the southern portion of the Okanagan Valley adjacent to the City of Penticton and occupies more than 46,000 acres of land. It is the largest reserve in the Province of British Columbia. The Penticton Indian Reserve is comprised of 3 reserve areas (IR #1, IR #2, and IR #3) of which IR #1 is the largest and encompasses 99% of the total area. The Penticton Indian Band accepts their responsibility for balancing environmental, cultural and heritage values of their lands while maximizing certain other lands economic benefits to the Band. For more information, visit .
Contacts:
Zero Emission Energy Developments, Inc
Tom Sadleir
Communications & Stakeholder Relations
604 786 3525