Federal government announces funding for five solar projects in Nunavut

Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Pond Inlet, Grise Fiord and Whale Cove receive support for initiatives

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Baker Lake

Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal announced funding for five clean energy projects in five communities, over $4 million to help integrate solar energy. The communities are Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Pond Inlet, Grise Fiord and Whale Cove.

“These five Inuit communities are among a growing list who are leading the way in the energy transition,” said Vandal.

All of Nunavut’s power plants run on diesel energy and the federal government hopes these investments will reduce the use of diesel, saving money while emitting fewer greenhouse gases.

The funding breakdown is $780,000 for Arctic Bay; $766,700 for Clyde River; $1,000,000 for Pond Inlet; $754,592 for Whale Cove and $807,000 for Grise Fiord.

The Arctic Bay solar project generating 120 kW will be on the community arena and it is expected to reduce 83,160 kg of greenhouse gases and 31,500 litres of diesel while generating $44,000 per year for the hamlet. Clyde River’s project is for a 150 kW solar PV project expected to be completed in three years, it is expected to reduce greenhouse gasses by 100,000 kg per year and diesel by 38,000 litres per year and generate $32,878 a year.

“The community of Arctic Bay and its residents care about clean energy, climate change and the environment,” said Moses Oyukuluk, mayor of Arctic Bay. “The community will own its own clean energy source with no noise, no emissions, and no vibrations. Clean electricity is crucial in reducing diesel use.”

Pond Inlet is also constructing a 150 kW solar PV project reducing green house gas consumption by 85,300 per year and diesel by 38,000 litres a year. It is expected to generate the community up to $52,900 in revenue annually.

Whale Cove’s arena is also getting a 120 kW solar project on its community arena, greenhouse gasses are expected to be reduced by 91,000 per year and save 35,000 litres of diesel, it is expected to generate revenue but a specific amount was not listed. Two community members will also be hired and trained during the installation of Whale Cove’s solar project. “The solar panels going on our arena are more than welcome in our community. Not only will they lower our energy consumption and dependence on diesel but will also lower our production of greenhouse gas and aid in reducing global warming,” said Whale Cove mayor Percy Kabloona.

Grise Fiord’s solar initiative is a 100 kW PV project to be constructed over three years. It is expected to reduce greenhouse gases by 94,000 kg a year, save up to 38,000 litres of diesel of year and generate up to $30,000 a year in revenue.

Funding for these projects came from the federal Northern

REACHE program, which is meant to help support Northern and Indigenous communities in transitioning toward more sources of clean and renewable energy. It’s currently funding projects in the Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.