The Government of Canada announced over $19 million in federal funding for three clean energy projects that will increase renewable energy generation in Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Naujaat, Nunavut.
Funding will support the construction of a 1.0 + megawatt solar and battery energy storage facility in Naujaat, which currently relies entirely on diesel to meet its electricity needs. This new facility will supply 30 per cent of the community’s electricity demand with locally-produced renewable energy. The project name “Ikayuut” was chosen by the Hamlet Council of Naujaat. It comes from the Inuktitut word “Ikayuuti,” meaning “help, support, or resources,” and speaks to how the project will help support Naujaat’s power grid. Construction is set to start in the summer of 2024.
“It is great to be back in the Kivalliq Region to announce support for new community-led clean energy initiatives. They are crucial to tackling climate change and growing a clean energy economy in the North. These Inuit-led and delivered initiatives will reduce pollution, save money, and create good jobs in Nunavut,” said Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor.
The federal government is also providing funding for early-stage work on three solar installations on buildings owned by Sakku Properties Ltd., a subsidiary of Sakku Investments Corporation, in Rankin Inlet. The systems will result in 300kW of installed generation capacity, which would reduce diesel and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 56,000 litres and 178,000 kilograms each year. The systems are expected to generate solar power for the community by 2025.
“Sakku is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to deliver renewable energy infrastructure projects for the Kivalliq region. Investing in a clean energy future for Nunavut is critical as our region grows and we shift away from burning fossil fuels, which is vital to protecting our lands, waters and communities for generations to come,” said David Kakuktinniq, president and CEO of Sakku Investments Corporation.
Funding is also being provided for the Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet Wind Energy Development Projects to undertake research and development of wind energy generation to reduce the communities’ reliance on diesel. They will incorporate traditional Inuit knowledge into community input-driven wildlife studies for wind development in northern Canada while supporting local labour, capacity building, training and economic development.
These Inuit-led clean energy initiatives are foundational to Nunavut’s energy transition. Canada is working directly with Indigenous communities to advance self-determination while building a low-emission energy future and creating economic prosperity, security and more resilient communities.
“As the Regional Inuit Association promoting the interests and rights of the Inuit of the Kivalliq, we are pleased to support Sakku Investments in advancing these important energy projects. It is critical that we fight climate change, build infrastructure that supports economic growth, and change the legacy of diesel fuel that is shipped through sensitive Arctic waters. I’d like to thank the Government of Canada for partnering with us to ensure energy infrastructure in Nunavut is a priority. Let’s continue to build a stronger, greener future,” said Kono Tattuinee, president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association.
The federal government is investing $18.45 million toward a solar and energy storage facility in Naujaat, including:
- $6.5 million through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program;
- $5.9 million through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund;
- $1,050,000 under Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative; and
- $5 million through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, delivered by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and administered by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
“In Nunavut and across the country, clean energy presents an enormous economic opportunity that will also help people save money on their energy bills and keep the air clean. Supplying people in Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Naujaat with clean energy will make a real difference in their lives and help fight climate change,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Feature image: (L to R) Sakku Investments Corp. president David Kakuktinniq and Dan Vandal, Federal Minister of Northern Affairs. (Government of Canada)
