Kivalliq Alternative Energy
Naujaat, Nunavut
Published September 16, 2024
Project stakeholders from the Hamlet of Naujaat and Kivalliq Alternative Energy partners Sakku Investments Corporation (SIC) and Northern Energy Capital (NEC) gathered at the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project site in Naujaat for the official groundbreaking. PHOTO: KAE
Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE) is proud to announce the official groundbreaking of the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project, which took place on September 5th, 2024, at the project site in Naujaat, Nunavut. This step marks the beginning of construction on one of the first utility-scale renewable energy projects in Nunavut. This project will reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel, increase energy independence, and help protect the natural environment of the Kivalliq Region. Construction will progress through the 2025 season, with the project expected to begin commercial operations in March 2026.
Quick Facts
Innovative Energy Solution: The Ikayuut Solar Project, featuring 1.4 MW of solar power (approximately
2500 solar PV panels) and 1 MWh of energy storage, will generate 1,600 MWh of energy annually—
supplying 30% of Naujaat’s annual electricity demand or enough to power 130 homes per year.
Environmental Benefits: By displacing an estimated 400,000 litres of diesel each year, the project will
reduce approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over its 30-year lifespan.
Seasonal Efficiency: Peak energy production from March to August, supported by battery storage for grid stability. This innovative design will enable Naujaat’s diesel generators to be shut off for periods of time—a first in Nunavut’s history.
Sustainable Site Development: Located on a former scrapyard near Naujaat’s airport, the project
repurposes a brownfield site into a source of clean energy.
Community Named: ‘Ikayuut’—meaning “help, support, or resources " in Inuktitut—was named by
Naujaat’s Hamlet Council, symbolizing the project’s role in supporting the community’s power grid.
Economic Benefits: The construction phase is expected to create 20-30 temporary jobs, with 1-2 ongoing maintenance roles and training opportunities for Inuit.
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 proud to be a leader in Nunavut's clean energy transition. The Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project will be one of the region's first utility-scale renewable energy projects, 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
“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
Download KAE Press Release (PDF):
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).
Follow Us
For more information about KAE and the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project, please visit kivalliqalternativeenergy.com
For project updates and upcoming events, follow KAE on Facebook: KivalliqAlternativeEnergy
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada
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