A screengrab of a promotional video of the project showing the location of a control structure near Surprise Lake. Screenshot from Atlin Hydro website.
Whitehorse, YT – The Atlin Hydro Expansion Project is shovel-ready and poised to deliver green energy to B.C. and Yukon into the winter months but remains $84 million short of breaking ground.
The project, located 100 kilometers south of Jake’s Corner on Atlin Lake, is led by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and will generate 8.5 megawatts of renewable energy which is roughly eight percent of Yukon’s total energy needs but can operate year-round.
“The unique nature of this particular Hydro project means it can produce all of its energy in the winter, which is when the Yukon needs it,” said David Carlson, a consultant for the project. “That’s unusual for a renewable energy project.”
Carlson says most hydro projects generate energy from flowing river currents but this project is based on a reservoir system, utilizing water from Surprise Lake to generate electricity when needed.
The expansion builds on an existing hydro station that has supplied power to BC Hydro since 2009.
While construction could start as early as March of 2025, the project still needs roughly $84 million. That funding gap has existed since early 2023.
“We don’t quite have enough money to actually start construction, and that’s where we are now,” said Carlson. “We’re looking for the last bit of funds in order for us to be able to sign all the contracts and start construction.”
The B.C. and Yukon Governments have expressed support for the project but Carlson says the project needs federal government funds to bridge the gap.
“The federal government doesn’t want to give money to us unless the Yukon says they really need it,” said Carlson. “We’ve had Minister Streicker and Premier Pillai talk to the government before on this, and we’re hoping that they will take up the conversation again.”
