Building a Clean Energy Future in Arviat: A Look Back at Our July Community Engagement Trip
- hrobb33
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Kivalliq Alternative Energy
August 29, 2025
In mid-July, representatives from Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE)—a partnership between Sakku Investments Corporation (SIC) and Northern Energy Capital (NEC)—traveled to Arviat, Nunavut to continue collaborative work on the Arviat Renewable Energy Project. Over the course of three days, the team deepened relationships, shared project updates, and invited feedback to shape the next stages of a community-first renewable energy initiative.
Why Arviat, Why Now?
The Arviat Renewable Energy Project is a multi-phase initiative designed to reduce the community’s reliance on diesel by integrating 2 MW of wind and 2–3 MWh of battery storage. The project is also considering a small, 200 kW solar installation. This clean energy system is expected to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and increase local resilience. As part of KAE’s broader mandate for Inuit-led energy sovereignty, the project aims to deliver long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits to Arviat.
This July trip was focused on community engagement and validation of previous project work following a several year pause in work after which time the project was transferred from its previous owner to KAE. Stops included a public town hall, meetings with the Hamlet Council, and dialogue with the Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO).
Key Highlights from the Engagement
👥 Community Town Hall
Held in the heart of Arviat, the town hall provided an open forum for community members to learn about the project and ask questions. Although turnout was modest (approximately six adults), the event sparked meaningful discussion. Attendees learned about:
KAE’s vision for clean energy in Arviat
The integration of solar, wind, and battery systems
Expected project timelines, from development in 2025–26 to commercial operation by spring 2029
Energy literacy topics like how wind and solar energy work, battery storage basics, and the unique cold-climate technology required for Arctic installations
KAE also introduced their VOICE framework—Involve and Inform, Ownership, Influence, Capacity, and Excitement—as a guiding set of principles for ongoing community collaboration.
🦌 Local Engagement: HTO and Hamlet Council
Understanding traditional land use is essential for respectful and sustainable project development. The KAE team met with the Hunters and Trappers Organization to begin early dialogue about project siting, wildlife migration patterns, and preserving ecological balance.
Conversations with the Hamlet Council provided opportunities to review previous feasibility study results and progress since the last engagement. These sessions were critical for validating past work and aligning on the next steps.
📣 Community Survey Launch
Residents were invited to complete an online survey to share thoughts, concerns, opportunities, and questions related to the proposed project. The survey remains open to Arviat residents and includes the chance to win prizes for your input and participation.
Where We Go from Here
The trip marked a meaningful step forward in KAE’s goal of equitable, community-first renewable energy development. The feedback gathered will inform:
Final site selection
Regulatory applications
Advanced engineering and procurement planning
Continued technical studies, including grid connection impact assessments
Expanded outreach to local stakeholders, including cabin owners near the proposed site
If you’re a cabin owner near the MET tower site, we want to hear from you. Contact us at contact@kivalliqalternativeenergy.com.
A Shared Vision for a Cleaner Future
The Kivalliq region has long carried the burden of energy costs, emissions, and complex logistics tied to diesel dependency. Projects like the one in Arviat show that with the right partnerships, technical expertise, and community guidance, a better path is possible.
NEC is proud to work alongside SIC, KAE, and the community of Arviat to make that vision real. As we move toward construction and operation, we’ll continue to prioritize trust, transparency, and local leadership.
📍 Follow along for more updates on our renewable energy projects in Nunavut and beyond.
