Renewable Energy in the Peace: A Power-ful Opportunity

Northeast BC is a renewable energy powerhouse. Learn what’s happening, why more energy is needed, and how communities are involved.
About the event
Join with other northerners to learn about existing projects in Northeast BC, what additional projects are planned, why they’re necessary, and how communities can get more involved (and realize more benefits).
- Contribute your own experiences and expertise
- Get practical and learn how technologies like solar panels and wind turbines actually work
- Tour a wind turbine maintenance facility in Chetwynd (optional add-on).
This event is about sharing information, having conversations, and strengthening the renewable energy community in the Peace. Attendees will include representatives from communities, industry, education and research, utilities, regulators, and other key organizations.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Testimonials
Here’s what some attendees experienced at a similar event recently held in Prince George prior to the kick-off of the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum.
“I attended the Renewable Energy 101 session and the Community Energy Gathering and really appreciated both experiences. The Renewable Energy 101 session was delivered in a fun and interactive way and would be a great fit to bring into communities, helping people better understand what solar and wind energy are in a practical and approachable way. The Community Energy Gathering created a comfortable space to talk openly and share what each participant is working on, which made the conversations meaningful and insightful.”
Ojay Matias, Director of Partnerships and Development, Cheslatta Development Corporation
“Being able to attend a full day focused on renewables just before the BCNRF was an incredible experience. Seeing two rooms filled with interested, engaged and passionate organizations, local governments, businesses and individuals learning and sharing their experiences and plans was inspiring. It affirmed for me that the North is quietly becoming a leader in renewable energy.”
Cyra Yunkws, Chair and Electoral Area B representative, Regional District of Kitimat–Stikine
Agenda Highlights
Dialogue on renewable energy in the Peace.
Start with roundtable introductions. Then learn about existing and planned renewable energy projects in the Peace and contribute ideas for maximizing community benefits. This won’t be a session with people speaking at a podium; plan to share your knowledge, ideas, and perspectives.
Renewable Energy 101
Learn how wind and solar technologies actually work through engaging (and entertaining!) hands-on experiments. Participants will discover how to produce electricity as they build their own projects (including miniature wind turbines and solar panels) and test how they would function in the real world. Learn about the different components of wind and solar projects and what they could mean for the region in terms of jobs and investment.
Tour of Vestas operations and maintenance hub in Chetwynd
The Chetwynd O&M facility is run by a team of 10-12 local staff who are responsible for managing the Dokie Wind Project, which has 48 turbines. Dokie is one of seven large-scale operating wind projects in the Peace region. Two more were announced in 2024. Vestas is a global wind energy supplier, designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe. The company’s Canadian operations are supported by a team of 400+ employees working in installation, construction, and service of onshore wind turbines.