Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada has announced $19 million for three renewable energy projects to increase sustainable energy production in Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Naujaat, Nunavut.
Funding will be used for the construction of a solar and battery energy storage facility in Naujaat, which currently relies solely on diesel for its electricity. The new facility, named “Ikayuut” by the Hamlet Council of Naujaat—an Inuktitut term meaning “help, support, or resources”—will provide 30% of the community’s electricity needs with locally generated renewable energy. Construction is scheduled to commence in summer 2024.
“It’s a pleasure to return to the Kivalliq Region to announce support for these community-driven clean energy projects. They are vital for combating climate change and advancing a clean energy economy in the North. These Inuit-led initiatives will cut pollution, save costs, and create good jobs across Nunavut,” said Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor.
In addition, the feds will pay for preliminary work on three solar installations at Sakku Properties Ltd. buildings in Rankin Inlet. These systems will provide a combined 300kW capacity, cutting diesel use and greenhouse gas emissions by over 56,000 liters and 178,000 kilograms annually. The installations are expected to begin supplying solar power by 2025.
“Sakku is excited to collaborate with the Government of Canada on these renewable energy projects for the Kivalliq region. Investing in clean energy is essential for Nunavut’s growth and crucial for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, protecting our lands, waters, and communities for future generations,” stated David Kakuktinniq, President and CEO of Sakku Investments Corporation.
Research and development for wind energy projects in Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet will be aimed at decreasing the communities’ diesel dependency. These projects will integrate traditional Inuit knowledge into wildlife studies for wind development while fostering local employment, capacity building, training, and economic growth.
These Inuit-led projects are critical to Nunavut’s transition to renewable energy.
“As the Regional Inuit Association, we are pleased to support Sakku Investments in advancing these significant energy projects,” said Kono Tattuinee, president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association. “Combating climate change, building supportive infrastructure, and reducing our dependency on diesel fuel are essential.”
Funding includes:
- $6.5 million from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
- $5.9 million from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund
- $1,050,000 from Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative
- $5 million from the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, delivered by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and administered by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
“Across Nunavut and the nation, clean energy offers significant economic benefits, helps lower energy costs, and keeps the air clean. Providing Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Naujaat with clean energy will profoundly impact their lives and contribute to the fight against climate change,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.