Salish Elements and Xaxli’p signed an agreement on the development of 25MW of green hydrogen production facility
Representatives of Salish Elements and the Indigenous government of Xaxli’p signed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) to collaborate on the development of a 25 MW green hydrogen production facility in Xaxli’p territory.
The representatives established the terms for a more detailed working agreement between the Xaxli’p Development Corporation (XDC) and Salish Elements to create a new partnership in the construction and operation of the facility.
Rueben George and Darrell Bo along with Hon. Josie Osborne formally announced the AIP at the Hy-fcell conference in Canada.
The AIP was signed almost one year after Darrell Bob and Rueben George signed an MOU outlining an initial working agreement including engaging in a feasibility study and meeting with the Xaxli’p community about green hydrogen and its potential to serve the community.
The Xaxli’p community resides in the Squamish-Lillooet region of B.C. and is one of 11 communities that make up the St’at’imc Nation. Salish Elements and Xaxli’p are negotiating a land lease and other partnership details to construct the facility.
Salish Elements plans to produce green hydrogen for the North American transportation market.
Salish Elements and XDC will next incorporate the partnership upon the success of a community referendum, which will allow both parties to enter a formal agreement for the construction of a facility.
Kúkpi7 Darrell said, “The Xaxli’pmec of Xaxli’p within the St’at’mic Nation are the stewards of their survival territory. Our people are proud to be creating an opportunity to work with green energy. We want to be an example of change and what that would look like for future generations, and who continue to live and share in our relationship with these lands since time immemorial. We are responsible”.
Rueben George said,” We understand Xaxlip’s stewardship as they have been caretakers of their lands and water for millennia. We need this important technology to create alternative energy at this critical time. Like Xaxli’p, we [Tsleil-Waututh] make decisions for our future generations. We are honored to partner with our Xaxli’p relations”.
Hon. Josie Osborne said, “The partnership between Salish Elements and Xaxli’p Nation on this proposed green hydrogen project would help to create jobs and work towards creating a clean transportation sector,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.” Strong partnerships like this create economic benefits for British Columbians and First Nations communities while continuing to position British Columbia as a leading hydrogen economy”.
