Powering a path to clean energy independence: Indigenous-Led Green Hydrogen at Chute Lake

For the Gitga’at First Nation, achieving long term energy independence is closely tied to Nation self determination, environmental stewardship and economic resilience. Based in the remote coastal community of Hartley Bay, the Gitga’at First Nation has historically relied on diesel generation to meet its energy needs, which is a costly arrangement that is carbon intensive and vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Over many years, the Nation explored a range of clean energy opportunities to reduce diesel dependence while aligning with Indigenous values and protecting surrounding lands and waters. Chute Lake emerged as a promising resource, but transforming it into a viable, hydroelectric powered green hydrogen facility required navigating significant technical, logistical and commercial uncertainty. The remote, marine access only site presented construction and operational challenges, while variable hydrology, high capital costs and limited comparable precedent added complexity to early decision making.

Beyond technical feasibility, the Gitga’at First Nation needed confidence that green hydrogen production could deliver tangible Nation benefits, support regional economic opportunities and operate within stringent environmental and regulatory frameworks. Addressing these challenges required an integrated approach that balanced innovation with practicality, respected Indigenous knowledge and provided a clear, defensible pathway from concept to implementation in a first of its kind, Indigenous led clean energy project.

Working in close partnership with the Gitga’at First Nation, we supported the advancement of the Green Hydrogen Production at Chute Lake project through a phased, integrated approach that addressed both technical complexity and community priorities. Our team was first engaged to deliver a comprehensive Feasibility Study, assessing hydrology, power generation options, hydrogen production technologies, market offtake opportunities, lifecycle carbon intensity and financial viability. This early work provided the Gitga’at First Nation with a clear, evidence based foundation for decision making and long term planning.

Building on the Feasibility Study, we progressed the project through a FEED study, refining the preferred run of lake hydroelectric concept and developing site layouts, cost estimates and constructability strategies suited to a remote, marine access only location. The FEED focused on overcoming steep terrain, limited infrastructure and challenging coastal conditions, while minimizing environmental footprint and respecting Gitga’at First Nation’s stewardship values.

Throughout both phases, our team worked collaboratively with the Gitga’at First Nation to integrate Indigenous knowledge, local workforce considerations and long term scalability into the design. By combining rigorous technical analysis with practical, community driven planning, we helped establish a viable pathway for an Indigenous led, low carbon energy project capable of delivering lasting environmental and economic benefits.

The outcomes of the Feasibility and FEED studies have positioned the Gitga’at First Nation to confidently advance a first of its kind, Indigenous led green hydrogen project in a remote coastal setting. Through rigorous technical, environmental and financial evaluation, the project has demonstrated a clear, viable pathway to reduce reliance on diesel while supporting long term energy independence, economic opportunity and community resilience.

By confirming the technical feasibility and financial viability of the preferred run of lake hydroelectric and hydrogen production concept, the studies have significantly reduced project risk and uncertainty. This work has strengthened the Gitga’at First Nation’s ability to attract future investment, pursue regulatory approvals and advance detailed design and delivery with confidence.

Beyond technical outcomes, the project has reinforced Gitga’at leadership in sustainable energy development, establishing a replicable model for other remote and Indigenous communities seeking practical, low carbon solutions that align economic opportunity with environmental stewardship. Recognition through the prestigious CEA Showcase Awards is a milestone the project team is proud of, affirming the project’s innovation, leadership and impact while serving as a powerful steppingstone toward full project implementation and lasting community benefit.