Hedgehog Technologies partnered with the Haida Nation to deliver a landmark 2 MW solar array and microgrid at the Masset Airport on Haida Gwaii. This project represents a historic step toward energy sovereignty for the Haida people, executed through Tll Yahda Energy—a groundbreaking corporation formed by the Old Massett Village Council, Skidegate Band Council, and the Council of the Haida Nation.

The project is situated in a delicate ecosystem where traditional energy solutions often conflict with conservation. To avoid clearcutting 11 acres of ancient, carbon-rich old-growth forest, Hedgehog and the Haida Nation strategically utilized existing airport infrastructure. This decision protected the archipelago’s biodiversity while integrating renewable energy into a critical transportation hub.

The scope included the installation of a 2 MW solar array, a sophisticated microgrid controller, and an off-grid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developed in collaboration with BC Hydro. This system allows the community to capture solar energy, store it in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and deploy it during peak demand or low-sunlight periods. By displacing over 600,000 liters of diesel fuel annually, the project significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental risks associated with transporting fuel to the remote archipelago.

As a smaller firm, Hedgehog Technologies provided high-level technical expertise while prioritizing a community-first model. The project was built, owned, and is now operated by the Haida Nation. Through intensive mentorship and on-site training, Hedgehog empowered local community members to construct and maintain the infrastructure, ensuring that the economic and social benefits of the transition to clean energy remain within Haida Gwaii for generations to come.

Engineering & Safety: A primary challenge was installing a massive solar array at an active airport. To mitigate solar glare risks for pilots, Hedgehog conducted an exhaustive reflectivity study. Using advanced 3D modeling, the team simulated light behavior across various panel materials and orientations, determining precise angles to ensure safety without compromising energy yield.

Intelligent Integration: Integrating the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) required a sophisticated control strategy. Hedgehog developed intelligent energy management algorithms to synchronize solar output with the BC Hydro grid. This ensures a seamless transition between power sources, maintaining stability in a remote, “off-grid” capable environment.

Empowering the Haida Nation: Equally vital was the “Haida-led” execution model. Rather than bringing in outside labor, Hedgehog acted as a technical mentor. We structured the project to facilitate local job creation, providing the training necessary for community members to lead construction.

This approach transformed a complex infrastructure project into a platform for skills development. By balancing rigorous engineering with a deep respect for Indigenous land stewardship, Hedgehog proved that smaller firms can lead high-stakes projects that set new industry standards for energy sovereignty.

The project is a triumph of engineering and reconciliation. It displaces 600,000+ liters of diesel annually and spared 11 acres of old-growth forest from clearcutting. Beyond the environmental impact, it established Tll Yahda Energy as a model for Indigenous energy independence. The 2 MW array is 100% Haida-owned and operated, providing sustainable revenue and local jobs. It stands as a blueprint for how technical innovation can preserve ancestral lands while powering a clean energy future.