Baker Lake – Across the country, Indigenous-led clean energy projects are growing local economies and creating good jobs, all while fighting climate change. By adopting clean energy alternatives, communities are protecting their land and water, increasing economic opportunities, and improving their health and wellbeing. The Government of Canada is investing in these projects to help reduce the use of costly diesel, advance self-determination, and ensure cleaner air and a brighter future for everyone.
In Baker Lake, Nunavut, Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced investments in clean energy projects in five communities across Nunavut through the Northern REACHE Program. The communities of Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Pond Inlet, Whale Cove, and the most northerly community in Canada, Grise Fiord, will receive over $4.1 million to integrate solar power:
- Arctic Bay Solar, 120 kilowatts – $780,000
- Clyde River Solar, 100 kilowatts – $766,700
- Pond Inlet Solar, 150 kilowatts – $1,000,000
- Whale Cove Solar, 120 kilowatts – $754,592
- Grise Fiord Solar, 110 kilowatts – $807,000
The importance of the projects to these communities cannot be understated – they are a meaningful step in their transition to clean energy. These solar energy systems will create jobs, improve local air quality, and displace 180,000 litres of fuel per year, helping Nunavut to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, and generate thousands of dollars annually for the communities.
The Northern REACHE Program supports Indigenous and northern communities in reducing their dependence on diesel fuel for electricity and heating through clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity, biomass heating, energy efficiency, and related capacity-building initiatives.
“The community of Arctic Bay and its residents care about clean energy, climate change and the environment. With the installation of the 120 kW solar system, the community will own its own clean-energy power source with no noise, no emissions, and no vibrations. Clean electricity generation is crucial in reducing diesel use, which will benefit the environment and provide cost savings for the community.” – Mayor Moses Oyukuluk, Hamlet of Arctic Bay
“These five Inuit communities are among a growing list who are leading the way in the energy transition. Inuit communities, which are experiencing some of the harshest impacts of climate change, know how best to address the challenges they face. We’re proud to support these projects led by the North, for the North.” – Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor