Tucked away in Canada’s westernmost community of Beaver Creek, White River First Nation quietly unveiled the Sa/See Energy Solar Project (Sa/See) this week — Yukon’s largest clean energy venture to date.

Developed by Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership (CNLP), the economic arm of White River First Nation, and jointly funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon, the 1.9 MW project offsets approximately 60% of the community’s power needs. A four-megawatt-hour battery is co-located on-site to store excess generation, ensuring an available supply of electricity around the clock. 

In the spring and summer months, the project effectively eliminates Beaver Creek’s need for imported diesel, marking a significant milestone for the community’s energy security and sustainability goals. Sa/See is projected to displace 350,000 litres of diesel annually, translating into 31,000 fewer tonnes of carbon emitted over the next 25 years. 

According to CNLP, Beaver Creek has already been diesel-free as of April 14, 2025, though supplemental generators will still be needed in the coming winter months.

At the public unveiling of Sa/See, John VanderMeer, President of CNLP, emphasized the projects local value. “This transformative initiative marks a proud moment for our team, our partners, and most importantly, the White River First Nation community. [The Sa/See Energy Solar Project] has been over seven years in the making, [going] from a bold vision to the completed array you see here today… Beyond the environmental benefits, this shift to clean energy [will ensure] long-term financial stability and energy sovereignty for the White River First Nation.”

In addition to supplying the majority of Beaver Creek’s power needs, Sa/See could eventually enable White River First Nation to participate in the Yukon government’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) Program, pending future eligibility or grid connection. This would allow the Nation to sell surplus energy to ATCO Electric Yukon, opening up a potential revenue stream to support long-term community investment.

Sa/See is not the only Indigenous-led solar and battery storage project looking to tackle diesel dependence in Yukon. Earlier this year, the federal and Yukon governments, in partnership with First Kaska, the development corporation of the Liard First Nation, announced more than $28.6 million to develop a 2.85MW solar and storage installation in Watson Lake (dubbed the Sādę Solar Initiative). 

Once complete, the Sādę Solar Initiative will surpass Sa/See as Yukon’s largest clean energy project and will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 3,509 tonnes annually.