Building a Clean Energy Future in Rankin Inlet: A Look Back at Our April Community Engagement Trip
- Kivalliq Alternative Energy
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
Kivalliq Alternative Energy
October 20, 2025
In mid-April, representatives from Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE)—a partnership between Sakku Investments Corporation (SIC) and Northern Energy Capital (NEC)—traveled to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut to continue collaborative work on the Rankin Inlet Wind Energy Project. Over the course of three days, the team deepened relationships, shared project updates, and invited feedback to shape the next stages of this historic community-driven renewable energy initiative.
About the Project
The Rankin Inlet Wind Energy Project is a multi-phase initiative designed to reduce the community’s historic reliance on imported diesel by integrating 3 MW of wind power and 2–3 MWh of battery storage. The locally-produced clean energy system is expected to significantly reduce the longstanding reliance on expensive and imported fossil fuels, stabilize energy costs, and increase local resilience, independence and energy-security. 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 Rankin Inlet.
This April trip was focused on community engagement and validation of previous project work. Stops included a public open house, meetings with the Hamlet Council, and dialogue with the Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) and an elder representative.
Key Highlights from the Engagement
👥 Community Open House & Survey
Held in Rankin Inlet, the open house provided an open forum for community members to learn about the project and ask questions. It featured several stations where guests could speak directly with KAE representatives about key topics.
This open house was the final planned public meeting in the current phase of project development, intended to present a summary of previously provided information, community feedback received to date, and facilitate a decision on which one of the two shortlisted locations to advance for the project.
PHOTO: Map of KAE’s proposed wind project sites in Rankin Inlet. Final selection (Location 2) in green.
A public survey was also launched during the trip to gather input on the project’s preferred location. The survey presented maps and information about the two sites, including selection criteria, wildlife monitoring, budget differences, and potential impacts and benefits.
Respondents were asked to weigh in on which site had the lowest environmental impact, lowest human impact, and to provide an overall preference. The final results indicated the community’s strong preference for Location 2, particularly due to fewer nearby cabins, as well as new recreational opportunities a development in that area would make available for community-members.
🦌 Local Engagement: HTO, Hamlet Council, and Elders
Understanding traditional land use is essential for respectful and sustainable project development. The KAE team met with the Hunters and Trappers Organization to discuss project siting, wildlife migration patterns, and preserving ecological balance. The HTO supported location 2, citing concerns about Location 1's impact on caribou.
Conversations with the Hamlet provided opportunities to review previous feasibility study results and align on next steps. The SAO raised concerns about Location 1's proximity to Second Landing Lake, which is used by float planes. Shortly after the team’s visit in April, the Hamlet Council ultimately passed a resolution indicating their preference for Location 2.
PHOTO: Dana May describes project siting considerations at a past public open house in Rankin Inlet
KAE also met with elder representative Martha Hickes. While KAE held a meeting with elders during a previous trip during which the elders found Location 1 acceptable, further discussion indicated Location 2 might be preferable due to being a less busy area with fewer cabins and less wildlife activity.
The construction of proper roads to Location 2 was also seen as a potential benefit that could serve residents with improved access to cabins and recreational areas on the west side of the community.
Where We Go From Here
The trip marked a meaningful step forward in KAE’s goal of equitable, community-first renewable energy development. Following the trip, KAE analyzed all input and technical and financial information, leading to the clear recommendation of Location 2 as the preferred site.
This innovative and historic project, capable of generating Inuit-owned clean energy by 2029, represents a critical first step in Rankin Inlet’s clean energy transition and is uniquely positioned as the first clean energy-generating asset along the Kivalliq Region’s emerging energy corridor.
A Shared Vision for a Cleaner Future
PHOTO: Wind turbines atop Haeckel Hill in Whitehorse, YT, show an example of what this project could look like. The Rankin Inlet Wind Energy Project will utilize similar turbine technology to those pictured here.
The Kivalliq region has long carried the burden of energy costs, emissions, and complex logistics tied to diesel dependency. Projects like the one in Rankin Inlet show that with the right partnerships, technical expertise, and community guidance, a better path is possible. KAE is proud to work alongside the community of Rankin Inlet to make that vision real. As we move toward construction and operation, we’ll continue to prioritize trust, transparency, and local leadership.
📣 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.
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).
📍 Follow along for more updates on our renewable energy projects in Nunavut and beyond.
