TSE’KHENE ENERGY TRANSITION HUB

Ensuring our footprints make our children proud

What is TETH?

The Tse’khene Energy Transition Hub (“TETH”) is the largest On Reserve clean energy development project in Canadian history. It is a carbon negative project being led by the McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB), in partnership with the Saulteau First Nations, on MLIB reserve lands about 100 kms north of Prince George, BC.

The proposed site is unpopulated, comprises less than 0.01% of MLIB’s traditional territory, and sits at a nexus of critical infrastructure. The CN rail mainline, BC Hydro’s primary transmission line, Highway 97, and several major natural gas pipelines all run through or very near the Reserve. The area was logged out due to a pine beetle infestation years ago and water requirements are on the low end of the BC Energy Regulator’s lowest risk rating.

Projects Under Development

The first is a green hydrogen production facility being advanced with one of the world’s leading hydrogen developers.

The second is a natural gas liquids extraction plant and fractionator (also known as a “straddle plant”). MLIB is partnered with Saulteau First Nation as an equal partner and together, MLIB and Saulteau are partnered with a large Canadian midstream company.  

TETH will provide economic benefit, equity economic benefit and high skill employment opportunities to its owner First Nations and those around it for many decades to come.

TETH will require approximately 750 acres, which is less than 0.003% of MLIB's total traditional territory. It is proposed to sit on MLIB’s Kerry Lake East Indian Reserve #9 (“KL9”), one of the best greenfield development sites in Canada.

Compelling features of KL9 include:

  • Previously logged (due to a pine beetle infestation)

  • Unpopulated

  • Building sites / laydown areas

  • Existing infrastructure

  • Ease of access

Clean Energy Projects

  • “I think about my children and grandchildren every day. I am supporting this project because of the future opportunities that it will provide to them.”

    Off Reserve Councillor, Hugh Tweed

  • “This partnership between the Province and the McLeod Lake Indian Band creates the foundation for exciting economic projects that will provide direct benefits to the region and help lower emissions. By working together, we can advance economic reconciliation, create strong economic growth, create good jobs and meet our climate goals.”

    Premier David Eby

  • “This project would positively benefit the lives of McLeod Lake Membership for present and future generations.”

    Elder Councillor, Jayne Inyallie

  • “The MLIB values its partnership and collaboration with the Province and the Energy Regulator as it advances the development of billions of dollars of on-reserve clean energy infrastructure. My message to our Band Members is that we have been working hard to develop an environmentally and culturally responsible opportunity... My message to industry is that the MLIB is a commercially sophisticated and enthusiastic potential partner.”

    Chief Harley Chingee

  • “This will be a great opportunity for on reserve members to secure long-term employment, close to home. We can start getting members trained for the higher ranked positions beforehand. This is a great opportunity for all of us.”

    On Reserve Councillor, Sonya Solonas

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Environmental, engineering, and commercial analysis for projects of this size will be exhaustive – as it should be – and can’t be rushed. This analysis will enable all stakeholders, including MLIB, to determine whether or not the projects should move ahead. Assuming the decision is made to construct, a “Final Investment Decision” or “FID” could be reached in 2026, which would allow construction to begin in 2027.

    For context, Haisla First Nation began development activities on Cedar LNG in 2012 and reached FID in 2024, more than a decade after beginning development efforts. 

  • Yes. TETH would be a great way to reuse land that was logged long before the TETH was considered.

  • Only clean energy projects that result in improvement to the environment are being considered for TETH. The Kerry Lake East #9 Indian Reserve was logged out years ago due to pine beetle impacts, so major effects on wildlife and nature are not foreseen.  An initial water study shows that water requirements from the Crooked River would fall in the lower portion of the BC Energy Regulator’s lowest risk category indicating there is more than enough water available without approaching medium- or high-risk levels. 

    Detailed studies to ensure that any material impacts on wildlife, water, and land are understood, and if present mitigated, are underway or will be underway in the near future. This information is critical before any decisions can be made to advance the projects.

  • Studies are underway to ensure that any potential impacts on wildlife, water, and land are understood and plans are developed to mitigate any such impact. This information is critical before any decisions can be made to advance the projects.

  • Both of the possible TETH projects would reduce overall carbon emissions. Hydrogen is a key component to a green energy future that replaces fossil fuel use, particularly in carbon intensive industries. The straddle plant will extract ethane, which is more carbon intensive than natural gas, that is currently flowing to the Lower Mainland through MLIB territory and being burned for existing residential and commercial consumption.

  • No. Both governments have clean energy programs and funds which we may utilize when our industry partners have completed initial project descriptions and have a better understanding of projects budgets and timelines.

  • Not yet. Projects at the TETH must adhere to the MLIB regulatory regime along with provincial and federal regulations. This process will result in a thorough assessment process that will allow MLIB to make informed decisions with respect to project approvals.

    We held community meetings late in 2023 and early 2024 to introduce members to TETH and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

    We held community meetings late in 2023 to introduce members to TETH and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

  • Should any major project proceed to construction, training, employment, and support service opportunities will be plentiful for MLIB members, people from neighbouring nations, and the region as a whole.

  • Unlike the traditionally low value IBA model, TETH is following the "Cedar LNG model" in which the Band will be a large owner in TETH. This results in a much larger economic benefit for the Band and members.

  • Since 2021, regular status reports have been provided to MLIB Chief and Council. Beginning in February 2024, in-person updates have been provided most months to both Chief and Council and the Duz Cho Board of Directors, which holds MLIB’s economic interest in TETH.

McLeod Lake Indian Band

McLeod Lake Indian Band is part of the Tse’khene group of Aboriginal peoples. The Band village is located on Hwy 97 about 100 kms north of Prince George.