A proposed wind power project near 亚洲天堂 Lake is moving into the early stages of evaluation after the company behind it submitted an investigative plan to the province.

186 Energy has applied for a five-year investigative license to determine whether a utility-scale wind project is feasible on Crown land near Maxan Lake, approximately 7 kilometres west of 亚洲天堂 Lake. The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship confirmed the plan includes technical assessments and preliminary studies of environmental, cultural, and regulatory factors. The public comment period for the proposal has closed.

The investigative license allows the company to collect data but does not guarantee any future development.

鈥淚nvestigative licenses are speculative and no guarantee of future work,鈥� the Ministry said in a statement.

As part of the study, 186 Energy will install a wind monitoring tower鈥�60 metres tall and 8 inches in diameter鈥攚ithin the application area to measure wind speed and climate conditions. The tower may be relocated during the study period depending on initial results.

The entire study area covers roughly 4,366 hectares, but that could change as more information is gathered. Engagements with First Nations and local stakeholders are expected to help define a smaller focus area over time.

If the site is deemed viable, the company would need to apply for further permits through the BC Energy Regulator, which is set to take on expanded oversight responsibilities under new provincial legislation. The ministry said future development would also require engagement with affected First Nations and additional public consultation.

Should the project proceed to construction, it could involve between 17 and 67 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 3 megawatts. Final details on the number and placement of turbines would be determined based on the outcome of the investigative phase.

The province is preparing new legislation to streamline approvals for renewable energy projects and make the BC Energy Regulator the single point of contact for wind, solar, and related infrastructure, while ensuring environmental standards are upheld.