For Immediate Release
Vancouver, B.C. – November 13, 2023 – Oceanic Wind Energy Inc. (TSXV-NEX: NKW.H) (“Oceanic” or “Company”) today announces that under the terms of the agreements with Northland Power, which closed on September 1, 2020, Oceanic has successfully negotiated the return of the development rights of the Hecate Strait project. Oceanic today signed agreements with two of Northland Power Inc. wholly owned subsidiaries that place Oceanic in the lead role in project development.
For British Columbia to reach the climate ambitions and significantly lower the share of fossil fuels in the energy supply, the green transition needs to be accelerated. This will only happen through an acceleration of renewable energy and primarily by speeding up the development and construction of wind farms.
On June 15, 2023, BC Hydro and the BC Government announced the strong demand for electricity has prompted a renewable energy call for power which will start with a spring 2024 power call for 3,000 Gwh of renewable electrical power, which incorporates First Nations participation. At the June 15th announcement the Premier of BC was quoted… “The need for clean energy, including wind and solar power, in our province has accelerated… we need to act now to meet this growing demand and to ensure we stay on track with our climate goals. But the big announcement for us today is that we are preparing to launch Call for Power to acquire clean electricity next spring. This will be informed by engagement with Indigenous groups and stakeholders… we’ll need about 3,000 gigawatt hours per year.”
The Province of BC has been recognized for its leading CleanBC policy objectives, and studies clearly indicate the urgent need to electrify industry, transportation, housing, etc. to meet these objectives. Meeting the CleanBC policy objectives suggest an annual supply deficit much greater than 3,000 Gwh/yr.
As BC faces the challenges of climate change and dependency of fossil fuels, transitioning to renewable energy sources like offshore wind will play a pivotal role towards a more sustainable and environmentally sound energy future.
This is a very timely and positive announcement for Oceanic. It is clear the province will be looking for utility scale renewable energy projects that have peak production during the winter high demand period and have the potential for significant First Nations partnerships. Partnerships with First Nations are essential in the development of offshore wind projects.
There are few wind resources of the scale and consistent reliable strength of the Hecate Strait wind resource, a resource that could help fill the large growing electricity supply deficit in the province and help meet the CleanBC objectives of the province.
Oceanic plans to immediately begin discussions with a large international company who is renowned for its development, construction, and operation of large offshore wind projects around the world. The goal is to partner with First Nations and a significant company who can quickly engage in continuing the development of the project and ultimately be a successful part of the spring 2024 BC Hydro call and future calls as they are announced. As these relationships are being built, Oceanic will be working on consultation with local First Nations communities to solicit their input and their interest in participation.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of the Company. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, oral or written, made by itself or on its behalf.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information please contact:
Michael O’Connor, President & CEO
Oceanic Wind Energy Inc.
Tel: 604-631-4483
Email: moconnor@oceanicwind.ca
