New solar energy system for Kugluktuk among the funded projects

By Jane George

Diesel power plants in six Nunavut communities will soon see new generators, Kugluktuk will receive a novel solar energy system, and Kugaaruk will get a better wastewater lagoon.

These infrastructure upgrades, which Nunavut’s deputy premier, David Akeeagok says “will certainly contribute to the overall well-being of Nunavummiut,” are linked to a commitment of nearly $19 million from Ottawa.

“Investing in green energy and wastewater projects in Nunavut communities provides residents with more reliable services, protects the environment and supports local economic growth,” Bernadette Jordan, the federal minister of rural economic development, said in a news release on the May 21 announcement.

“These investments go hand in hand with improving job opportunities, family income and the quality of life for those living and working in the North.”

The new diesel power generators are earmarked for Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Whale Cove.

The release said they’ll improve the plants’ energy efficiency and reliability while increasing their overall energy production capacity, the release said.

The renewable solar energy and storage system slated for Kugluktuk will be connected to the local power plant. This project, the first hybrid solar-diesel power plant to be managed by the Qulliq Energy Corp., will be used to demonstrate how this kind of system works in the Arctic.

The new system will also provide an alternative source of energy for the community of about 1,500, which currently relies on diesel-powered generators. Since 2017, Kugluktuk has already been collecting 60 kilowatt-hours worth of energy from solar panels mounted on the arena roof.

For these projects, Ottawa is chipping in about $13.5 million and the QEC $7.6 million.

Another project, which will get $5 million from Ottawa and $1.6 million from the Government of Nunavut, will rehabilitate the sewage lagoon in Kugaaruk to increase its capacity to treat and manage wastewater.

The project includes the construction of a temporary wastewater management system to clean the current lagoon before the bigger project starts.

“Investments in the community energy and wastewater treatment projects announced today will help make Nunavut a cleaner and safer place to live and work,” Akeeagok said.