In a reclaimed scrapyard in Naujaat, Nunavut, the Ikayuut solar and energy storage project has flipped the switch to renewable energy.
The project is the first to reach operation from Qulliq Energy Corporation’s (QEC) independent power producer program (IPP) which allows communities to sell renewable energy to QEC’s power grid.
Now that the project is operational, QEC CEO Ernest Douglas said it will help the community reduce its diesel consumption by 30 per cent or 400,000 litres per year.
“Having the scrap yard that was once there filled with these solar panels generating clean electricity locally that’s consumed locally is a pretty exciting achievement,” Douglas said. “This is our gateway to provide Nunavummiut with energy that’s not carbon-based.”
Ikayuut has more than 3,000 solar panels, which are enough to power 130 homes or about 60 per cent of the hamlet.
In a statement, Sakku Investments Corporation said the project is a powerful example of turning a challenge into an opportunity.
“A piece of land that was previously contaminated and not readily usable has been transformed into something productive that can provide value to the community,” the statement said.
“Our goal is not simply to introduce new energy technologies into our communities, but to build Inuit capacity and create opportunities for Kivalliqmiut to have a greater role in the energy sector.”
The project started supplying energy to Naujaat’s power grid on Aug. 20 and is a collaboration between Kivalliq Alternative Energy, Sakku Investments Corporation, Northern Energy Capital, QEC and the hamlet of Naujaat.
“It’s just a testament of what can happen when QEC works with communities, renewable energy developers and Inuit organizations so that we can reduce our diesel consumption,” Douglas said.
To learn more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/ikayuut-solar-and-energy-storage-project-now-complete-in-naujaat-9.7352687