BBA acted as the owner’s engineer for the design, construction, and commissioning of the largest solar project in the Yukon. The Beaver Creek Solar Project is a 1.9 MW Solar PV plant with 4 MWh of battery storage near the Yukon-Alaska border. Home to the White River First Nation, Beaver Creek is an off-grid community of approximately 100 residents that relied on diesel fuel for its power and heat. In collaboration with 3EYOND and YukonBright, BBA supported the Copper Niisϋϋ Limited Partnership (CNLP), the development branch of the White River First Nation, to reduce the community’s reliance on fossil fuels. The Beaver Creek Solar Project was energized and commissioned in the summer of 2024 and integrates with ATCO’s off-grid diesel network providing power to Beaver Creek.

The project uses bifacial solar panels, which generate power from both direct sunlight on the top surface and reflected light from the ground. This design improves efficiency, particularly in snowy conditions, where additional sunlight reflection increases power generation.

The outcome of this project is an alternative energy source that reduces the reliance on diesel for an off-grid northern First Nation community, as well as enhances their energy sovereignty and economic autonomy. In fact, the diesel system will be turned off for a significant part of the year. The Beaver Creek Solar Project is expected to provide White River First Nation reliable power for at least 25 years. The project will generate enough electricity to replace 350,000 litres of diesel per year or 60% of the community’s power. This project also provides economic opportunities for White River First Nation as Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership is going to be a power provider. ATCO has committed to purchasing the energy for up to 30 years, providing White River First Nation with a reliable source of income.

The Beaver Creek Solar Project required designing for an artic climate on permafrost and building a power generation system in a microgrid for a remote community with a short construction season. BBA engaged local contractors and community members for the design and construction of the Beaver Creek Solar Project. For our geotechnical design, we implemented solutions based on local knowledge of the area. We were advised to do some preclearing of the PV rows which helps permafrost thaw and makes excavation easier.

Due to Beaver Creek’s remote, arctic location, this project required ongoing coordination between the client and contractors to address site constraints and construction challenges. For example, transporting equipment was difficult and construction required on-site self-sufficiency. Initial plans called for precast concrete building foundations to be manufactured in Whitehorse and transported to Beaver Creek. However, load restrictions and transport risks made this approach impractical. After discussions with the contractor, the team shifted to on-site concrete pouring, adapting the construction plan to the realities of the location.

The Beaver Creek Solar Project reduces reliance on diesel and promotes energy sovereignty in the home of the White River First Nation, an off-grid northern community. It will reduce emissions by 31,000 tonnes over 25 years, including environmental impact of refining and transportation of diesel. The project will reduce noise pollution with 5,300 quiet hours annually when generators are off. The project also provides sustainable revenue for local reinvestment.