b'RENEWABLE ENERGYGreener PasturesBYRICK GARRICKHow First Nation communities are taking theirown steps toward climate action K iashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (KZA)microgrid project was to cut about 25 per cent of and Henvey Inlet First Nation arethe communitys diesel fuel usage. Were looking looking forward to green futures afterat climate change as a big issue impacting our completing renewable energy projectscommunity. Im hopeful someday that we use diesel in their communities.generation only as a backup, and we use renewables KZAs Giizis Energy Solar Storage Micro Gridas the source of our power in our community. combines solar power, battery storage and auto- There is room to expand the solar [power], for mated control technology to reduce the commun- sure, King continues. And we do have a river that itys reliance on diesel fuel electricity generation.flows right through our community, [so] there is real potential to use micro hydro in our community We want to become 100-per-cent renewable;as well. Geothermal is another option we have. we want to get off diesel generation, says KZAHowever, he notes, wind power isnt feasible due to Chief Wilfred King, noting that the goal of thethe wind index in the area.A group of Community Energy Champions gathered next to Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabeks Giizis Energy Solar Storage Micro Grid in June 2019 during a Building Community Capacity Through Energy Champions training session offered by the IESO in partnership with Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corp.'