A state-of-the-art energy infrastructure project in Fort McMurray is receiving an international award.

ATCO’s Fort McMurray West 500-kV transmission line is one of two projects being chosen as the co-winners of the 2020 International Edison Award.

Each year, a panelist made up of former energy industry executives chooses a project, or projects, that best highlight innovation while also contributing to the advancement of the industry.

The Fort McMurray transmission line, which provides electricity to the RMWB and other northern communities, was chosen for the engagement and long-term agreements made with local Indigenous communities by ATCO.

“The Fort McMurray West 500-kV Transmission Project represents much more than critical energy infrastructure,” said Siegfried Kiefer, President & CEO, Canadian Utilities. “It is a success story of industry and Indigenous Peoples working together to develop world-class energy infrastructure that benefits customers and communities alike.”

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Mikisew Cree First Nation are two of seven Indigenous groups who own 40 per cent of interest in the project.

The line has been up and running since March 2019.

Meanwhile, ATCO is sharing the award with Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricit for their “Electricity For All” program which has helped vulnerable populations in Cote d’Ivoire get access to electricity.

Since 2014, around a quarter of the country’s population has been given access to reliable electricity.