2030 Energy Strategy
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
The Northwest Territories
relies upon a dynamic
energy mix to meet the
needs of residents, business
communities, and the
demands of industry.
Historically, we have
overcome many of the
challenges that our vast
geography, rugged terrain
and climate presents.
Today, we face the challenge of climate change. To
reduce the impact of climate change on our land
and people, our pathway to the future, to the year
2030 and beyond, must include our transition to a
lower carbon economy.
As the world commits to lower greenhouse gas
emissions and to increase the use of renewable
energy, I reflect upon our accomplishments.
I consider how we will use what we've learned to
inspire and to sustain one another, and to build
upon our successes to create our energy future.
Out of all of Canada's provinces and territories the
Northwest Territories places an impressive second
in per capita installed solar electric capacity. A
project in Colville Lake is Canada's first of its type -
high-penetration solar technology integrated with
a new diesel electricity plant and battery storage.
Reducing the community's greenhouse gas
emissions from electricity by 25 percent, projects
like this contribute to our 850 kilowatts of installed
solar energy generation.
In the installation of commercial-sized wood
pellet boilers, we are Canada's leaders. More than
20 percent of the space heating of government
buildings is currently met with the use of biomass.
Government leadership has spurred a local industry
for wood pellet and pellet boiler supply, with many
residents and commercial businesses switching to
wood pellet biomass heat.
We are investing in the design of a two to four
megawatt wind turbine for the community of Inuvik
which, if constructed, could save 1.3 million litres
of diesel fuel each year and reduce fuel use in our
largest diesel community by 20 percent. A small
liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility serves
the power plant in Inuvik, where LNG successfully
displaces 40 percent of the diesel consumed
for power generation, lowering greenhouse gas
emissions and air pollution.
Each year, we make available millions of dollars
through the Arctic Energy Alliance <- an
organization that delivers programs that make it
easier for residents, businesses and communities
to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy
solutions. Programs that replace inefficient lighting
with LED lights, that supply community woodstoves
and provide affordable energy audits for buildings,
effectively reduces energy consumption and costs in
our communities.
We incorporate new technologies to support our
transition to a lower carbon economy. This year
in the community of Aklavik, to accompany a
52-kilowatt solar project, the Northwest Territories
"Today, we face the challenge of
climate change. To reduce the
impact of climate change on our
land and people, our pathway to the
future, to the year 2030 and beyond,
must include our transition to a
lower carbon economy."
Power Corporation will complete the Northwest
Territories' first variable speed generator. This
technology allows higher amounts of renewable
energy to be supplied to the local electrical grid, and
could significantly reduce power plant greenhouse
gas emissions.
As we continue working towards better ways to
generate, distribute and conserve electrical power,
we will turn our attention to the energy that we
use for space heating and transportation, while
practicing conservation and adopting efficient
energy technologies to meet our goals.
I look forward to working with our communities
and with our industry and government partners
to move toward a future of secure, affordable and
sustainable energy for the Northwest Territories.
The Honourable Wally Schumann
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
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