A “transformative” clean energy project in the remote Inuit community of Sanikiluaq is set to move forward following financial support from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
CIB this month unveiled its inaugural Nunavut investment—a $6.7 million loan—in a bid to help the region reduce reliance on diesel-powered energy.
“The CIB is proud to make its first investment in Nunavut as we continue to help residents of the Far North increase their energy security and reduce reliance on imported diesel fuel,” remarked CIB chief executive officer Ehren Cory.
CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative is slated to help fund the Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project, which includes a one-megawatt wind turbine and a one-megawatt-hour energy storage system for the Far North hamlet of Sanikiluaq.
“This project is a big step toward clean, reliable, and affordable energy in Nunavut,” commented Rebecca Alty, who functions as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. “By replacing most of Sanikiliaq’s diesel with wind power, the community will have lower electricity costs and less pollution.”
Led by Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corp, a subsidiary of Qikiqtaaluk Corp, the project will replace up to 70% of the community’s diesel use for electricity with renewable electricity.
“The Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project represents an energy future that prioritizes Inuit rights and environmental sustainability to ensure future generations have access to a safe, clean environment for many years to come,” said Harry Flaherty, CEO of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.
Power generated will be sold to Qulliq Energy Corporation and integrated into the local grid.
“This milestone represents transformative progress in Nunavut’s transition to clean energy,” stated Ernest Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of the Qulliq Energy Corporation. “By integrating renewable energy into the local grid, this project will contribute toward reducing diesel consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy security for Sanikiluaq.”
The funding from CIB is in addition to more than $11M from Natural Resources Canada through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program.
“The Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project is a concrete example of Indigenous Peoples’ leadership in clean energy and a clean growth future in Canada,” stated Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
The project, originally announced in 2016, is expected to create jobs while applying revenues to “local priorities.”
The project “benefits the community as a whole socially, economically, and environmentally,” according to Sanikiluaq mayor Johnny Appaqaq.