Kivalliq Alternative Energy
Naujaat, Nunavut
Published July 30, 2024
David Kakuktinniq, President of Sakku Investments (left), and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs (right), announce federal funding to support the construction of KAE's Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project in Naujaat, NU. PHOTO: Denise Kusugak, SIC
In a step towards sustainable and self-reliant energy in the Arctic, Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE) is proud to announce the official construction launch of the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project in Naujaat, Nunavut.
As a remote northern community, Naujaat relies entirely on imported diesel to meet its electricity needs. The Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project will diversify the Hamlet’s energy sources by supplying 30% of its current electricity demand with locally-produced renewable energy. By providing an alternative to diesel, this project will advance energy independence and reduce 400,000 litres of imported diesel annually.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards greener energy solutions for the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. It will provide economic opportunities for Inuit and a replicable model for implementing renewable energy in remote communities across Canada and beyond.
Quick Facts
The 1.4 MW solar and 1 MWh energy storage project will generate 1,600 MWh of energy each year, or approximately 30% of Naujaat’s current annual electricity demand. It will displace an estimated 400,000 litres of diesel per year, reducing CO2 equivalent emissions.
The project name “Ikayuut” was chosen by the Hamlet Council of Naujaat. In Inuktitut, "Ikayuut" means “help, support, or resources,” in reference to how the project will help to support Naujaat’s power grid.
Ikayuut is expected to create 20-30 temporary jobs during construction and 1-2 long-term maintenance positions.
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 like to thank and acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada as we begin construction this summer on this important clean energy project for Naujaat.” — David Kakuktinniq, President of Sakku Investments Corporation and joint owner of Kivalliq Alternative Energy
“KAE is grateful for the support from LCEF, CERRC, IODI, and ICIF programs, as well as our collaboration with QEC, which has been crucial in advancing the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Project. Named by the community, Ikayuut will be one of the first utility-scale renewable energy projects in the region, offering energy independence, security, and capacity-building opportunities for the people of Naujaat. At KAE, we are proud to develop innovative projects that meet the needs of today and lay the groundwork for powering a clean energy future in the Kivalliq Region.” — 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 Naujaat 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
“Helping advance Indigenous-led climate action projects, such as the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project, is critical to building a low-carbon economy and will help reduce the use of diesel in Canada’s Northern and Arctic regions. This project will be a shining example to other communities seeking to implement solar energy technologies and other renewable energy projects in the North and beyond.” — The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Supporting Indigenous and northern communities reduce their reliance on costly and polluting diesel by shifting to renewable sources of energy is a key priority for our government. The Ikayuut project is a good example of how Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives play a crucial role in reducing the use of fossil fuel for electricity in Northern and Arctic communities, while supporting local jobs and economic development in the Kivalliq Region.” — The Honourable Dan Vandal, P.C., M.P., Minister of Northern Affairs
“The Hamlet of Naujaat is excited for the project to begin this summer. We hope this program reduces the need for maintenance on existing generators and also carbon emissions to help preserve our environment for future generations.” — The Honourable Kevin Tegumiar, Mayor of Naujaat
“Working together with Kivalliq Alternative Energy allows Qulliq Energy Corporation to support sustainable energy options while delivering on its mandate to provide safe and reliable power to all Nunavut communities without increasing costs. The collaboration between both parties to work through the details of the program is a testament to careful consideration of the safety, reliability, and affordability of electricity in Nunavut.” — Bill Nippard, Vice President, Operations and Engineering, Qulliq Energy Corporation
Download KAE Press Release (PDF):
Read the Press Release from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada:
Download Ikayuut 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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