Kivalliq Alternative Energy
Published August 7, 2024
KAE's Wildlife Monitoring Stations in Rankin Inlet (images 1-3) and Baker Lake (images 4-5) deployed in partnership with Environmental Dynamics Inc. and Curley Construction. From June to October 2024, remote cameras and recording units will document wildlife presence near several proposed wind turbine sites. PHOTO: Environmental Dynamics Inc.
In a boost to renewable energy development in Nunavut, Kivalliq Alternative Energy Ltd. (KAE) is excited to announce the receipt of $1,301,282 in federal grant funding from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) Program under Natural Resources Canada. This funding will support the development of wind energy projects and renewable energy capacity building in the remote Inuit communities of Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut.
The Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet Wind Energy Projects aim to reduce diesel dependence and boost energy security by integrating wind and energy storage solutions into the communities’ existing microgrids. Federal funding from CERRC will support the feasibility research and capacity-building initiatives critical to the projects’ development. The projects will contribute to meeting Canada’s 2030 diesel transition and 2050 net-zero emissions targets while fostering local job creation, energy independence, and environmental sustainability.
These initiatives will involve comprehensive community engagement, environmental impact assessments, and wildlife studies, ensuring that project developments reflect local and regional values and integrate traditional Inuit knowledge and practices. KAE will also develop capacity-building programs to enhance local expertise in renewable energy technologies.
Quick Facts
Funding: $1,301,282 from Natural Resources Canada’s CERRC Program.
Locations: Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
Development Timeline
Phase 1 (July 2023 – February 2024): Planning for community engagement, capacity building, and preliminary desktop wildlife research.
Phase 2 (March 2024 – October 2024): Begin 1-year wildlife monitoring program, community consultations, alternative energy training course, and shortlisting of project sites
Phase 3 (November 2024 – March 2025): Conclusion of wildlife monitoring, comprehensive data analysis and reporting, community feedback, and final site selections.
Renewable Resource: Wind data collected in each community confirms the presence of strong, consistent winds year-round, providing an ideal basis for wind energy production.
Environmental Benefit: These projects represent an opportunity to displace over 3 million litres of imported diesel annually and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 255,000 tonnes over their operational lifetimes.
Quotes
“Sakku Investments is proud to be working with communities and our partners to build and advance reliable, renewable energy for the Kivalliq region. We would like to thank and acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada on this important clean energy project development for Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake.” — David Kakuktinniq, President of Sakku Investments Corporation and joint owner of Kivalliq Alternative Energy
“With the support from NRCan’s CERRC Program, KAE is advancing transformative clean energy solutions in Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet. This funding allows us to leverage the strong wind resource in these communities and build capacity for wind energy projects that will increase energy independence and foster environmental stewardship. We are dedicated to integrating Inuit knowledge and practices into projects such as these that will enhance the long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits for our future generations.” — Malek Tawashy, Director, Kivalliq Alternative Energy
“In Nunavut and across the country, clean energy presents an enormous economic opportunity that will also help people save money on their energy bills and keep the air clean. Supplying people in Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake with clean energy will make a real difference in their lives and help fight climate change.” — The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Download KAE Press Release (PDF):
Read the Press Release from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada:
Download Baker Lake Project Summary (PDF):
Download Rankin Inlet Project Summary (PDF):
Media Contact
Hayley Robb
Communications Coordinator, Kivalliq Alternative Energy
403-404-7622
Denise Kusugak
Communications Coordinator, Sakku Investments
867-645-2805 ext. 206
About Kivalliq Alternative Energy
Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE) is a leader in the clean energy transition in Nunavut's Kivalliq region. By developing renewable energy-generating projects, KAE is increasing energy independence for the remote communities it represents. KAE's projects nurture community benefits, grow local capacity and lay the foundations for powering the region's clean energy future. KAE is an Inuit-led partnership between Sakku Investments Corporation (SIC) and Northern Energy Capital (NEC).
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